|
ELDORA SPEEDWAY
|
|
13929 SR 119 New Weston, OH 45348 (937)338-3815
|
|
for immediate news release e-mail: labracer@bright.net
|
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
APRIL 5 ELDORA/USAC MEET CARRIES MANY MEANINGS
ROSSBURG, Ohio (March 21) -- It may appear on the schedule as just another race meet at Eldora Speedway, but the April 5 invasion of the United States Auto Club (USAC) Sprint division carries multiple plots and storylines.
For starters, it will kick off the 2003 points chase for the Indianapolis, Indiana based sanctioning group and their quest to determine an heir to the throne currently held by Tracy Hines. Hines not only hopes to defend that title, but is seeking a return to victory lane at Eldora. After recording a pair of USAC Sprint wins in 1999 and single victories in 2000 and 2001, the New Castle, Indiana veteran failed to cash in on a victory on Eldora’s high-banked one-half mile clay oval last year.
Secondly, in a tradition dating back to 1981, the race has been named in honor of the late Don Branson and Jud Larson. Branson and Larson had contributed greatly to the growth and popularity of USAC Sprint racing during their careers. During their storied careers they each had visited Eldora’s famed victory lane; Larson three times and Branson twice. Unfortunately both lost their lives in racing related accidents along the USAC trail. In their memory, Eldora Speedway promoter Earl Baltes and the USAC officials have earmarked the initial apperance of the USAC Sprints at Eldora as the Don Branson/Jud Larson Classic. J. J. Yeley is the defending event winner.
Perhaps the most significant factor weighing into the early April contest (the first of five USAC Sprint events in 2003) is that many drivers will be getting valuable track time and recording notes in anticipation of the Mopar Million Sprint at Eldora, slated for September 19 & 20. That event, under the banner of USAC, will award an unprecedented one-million dollars in prize money.
With only four wingless Sprint chases at Eldora prior to that history making event, each one, including April 5, will become a test and could very well bring out teams and drivers normally not associated with USAC racing.
In essence, the victor of Eldora’s April 5th USAC Sprint race meet will: a)become the early point leader in the 2003 USAC Sprint points chase, b)add his name to the prestigious list of others that have captured the Don Branson/Jud Larson Classic and c)be one step above others in preparation for the Mopar Million Sprint at Eldora.
Joining the USAC Sprints on April 5 will be the Modified and Stock car divisions, with warm-ups at 6:30 PM and the first race at 8:00.