Eldora Speedway | 13929
St Route 118 | New Weston | OH | 45348
For immediate news release e-mail: mail@eldoraspeedway.com
LARRY
RICE HIGH PERFORMANCE AWARD TO DEBUT AT TEAM CHEVY 4-CROWN
ROSSBURG, OH (Sept.
17) -- Throughout his storied racing and broadcast career,
Larry Rice was a high achiever, always looking ahead to the
next challenge at hand. No matter the size of the challenge
or the obstacles involved, Rice quietly attacked and more
often than not overcame. It was this demeanor that earned
Rice, who passed away May 20, 2009, the praise of his competitors
and colleagues.
In remembrance
of that drive to excel, Eldora Speedway officials have announced
the debut of the Larry Rice High Performance Awards to be
presented during the USAC (United States Auto Club) portion
of the Team Chevy 4 Crown Weekend, September 26.
Cash awards of
$750 each will be presented to the USAC Midget, Sprint and
Silver Crown driver who passes the most cars during their
respective main event that evening. Members of the Rice family
will be on hand to present the monies to the inaugural recipients.
Rice’s career
was etched through the roots of USAC and the many forms of
open wheel racing that the Indianapolis based sanctioning
group served up. During a 24-year span, the popular Rice competed
in 650 USAC sanctioned events; and earned USAC National titles
in 1973 (Midget), 1977 (Silver Crown) and 1981 (Silver Crown).
While under USAC sanction, in 1978 he was named the Indianapolis
500 Rookie of the Year.
Eldora’s
unique 4 Crown race was the first event to gather USAC’s
premier divisions under one banner and Rice was a strong supporter
of the concept. He doubled up at the 1985 4 Crown with victories
in the Sprint and Silver Crown features, and returned in 1987
to etch yet another Silver Crown triumph.
After hanging
up his helmet, Rice remained involved with the sport as a
respected broadcaster with ESPN, and then ventured into the
motorsports insurance business.
Rice’s USAC
and 4 Crown legacy will continue through Eldora’s efforts.
