Top Storylines Heading into Tony Elliott Classic
Six Storylines to watch as the 500 Sprint Car Tour heads to Anderson Speedway for the Tony Elliott Classic.
The Smile Remembered by many:
The Warsaw Indiana sprint car driver was a fierce competitor on the dirt and pavement. Tony Elliott won 1998 & 2000 USAC National Sprint Car Championships. Around the pavement tracks he is remembered at Anderson Speedway for the Little 500 accolades in 22 Little 500’s (5th all time), captured the pole position in 2009 and recorded seven top five finishes, with a career best second in 2008. He competed for legendary Car Owners Gene Nolen, Jack Nowling, Jeff Walker and Joe Conroy for his 22 Little 500 starts. But most of all, Elliott is remembered for his infectious smile that you saw when receiving an autograph, or just walking through the pits. The fierce competitor wanted to win more than anything, but appreciated the competition.
Points Battle Heating Up:
With only two races left in the 2024 season, the race for the points championship is heating up. Inaugural series champion, Kody Swanson, currently leads the field once again as he chases his second 500 Sprint Car Tour Championship. Both chasing their first championship with the series, Bobby Santos III and Billy Wease trail Swanson by only 26 and 29 points respectively. Kyle O’Gara and Jackson Macenko are not out of the equation quite yet as they sit fourth and fifth in the standings with 1058 (-88) points and 1054 (-92) points.
Anderson Speedway Home of Sprint Cars:
Known as the home of the 500 Sprint Car Tour, Anderson Speedway continues to host more 500 Sprint Car Tour events than any other track. With three points earning events each season, and the all important Little 500 Sprint Car Classic, Anderson Speedway has produced some of the best racing the series has seen since its inception in 2021. Anderson Speedway events tend to have much higher car counts than that of other events with a B-Main not being out of question every time the series visits the historic Indiana track. That will be the case once again for the 9th Annual Ascension St. Vincent Tony Elliott Classic presented by CB Fabricating with another impressive car count expected.
Roahrig racing with a Heavy Heart at Anderson Speedway:
Roahrig will be racing the final two 500 Sprint Car Tour events in memory of one of his biggest supporters, two year old Marshall Hancock. Marshall and his parents Michael & Morgan travel to many of Tyler’s races to see him compete and cheer him on. Marshall unexpectedly passed away recently at the age of two. Marshall in his final act gave the gift life. Roahrig and his team have decided to honor Marshall by putting his name on his sun visor for the remaining two races of the season.
“Marshall Hancock. Marshall was a miracle in every sense of the word, the bravest little boy I have ever known,” said Tyler Roahrig. “A real life hero, in his final act he selflessly gave the gift of life, an honor bestowed upon only the greatest. I hope that Marshall’s story will inspire others to consider signing up for organ donation. Never will I forget Marshall Pierce Hancock his memory and legacy will live on through anyone who knew him and even many who didn't. Until we meet again pal.”
Coming East:
David Goodwill from Napa, California will bring his Whalen Racing sprint car to Anderson Speedway to make his 500 Sprint Car Tour Debut. Goodwill competes out in California with the NCMA Sprint Car Series. Just this past Saturday after his second place finish at Madera Speedway he won the 2024 NCMA Sprint Car Series Championship. Goodwill will officially set the mark for longest distance traveled by a competitor to compete in a 500 Sprint Car Tour sanctioned event in 2024. The team submitted an entry for the 76th Annual Little 500, but was unable to make the trip. This will be Goodwill’s first trip to Anderson Speedway and will surely be a great opportunity to become familiar with the track before next year’s Little 500.
The Florida Youngsters:
2024 has been the year of young Florida drivers competing in the 500 Sprint Car Tour. Things started when Landon Butler, son of longtime racer Shane Butler, decided he was ready to begin his racing career. The Butler family moved to Indiana from Bushnell, Florida and Landon started his journey. Competing predominantly on dirt, his early success led him to a test in a non wing pavement sprint car. Shortly after, Butler made his debut. This Saturday, another young driver from Florida with exceptional talent will make his 500 Sprint Car Tour debut. Colton Bettis will make the trip from Lutz, Florida to Anderson Speedway to compete in the Sam Pierce Racing #26 machine. Colton found success at Anderson last October when he went to victory lane in his first ever Kenyon Midget start. Can he find that same magic and have a successful debut in the 9th Annual Ascension St. Vincent Tony Elliott Classic presented by CB Fabricating?
Race Details:
The 500 Sprint Car Tour returns to Anderson Speedway for the third and final time in 2024 on Saturday, October 5th. Dakoda Armstrong is the defending winner of the event and will be returning to the field to defend his crown. Tickets for the 9th Annual Ascension St. Vincent Tony Elliott Classic presented by CB Fabricating are available online by clicking HERE. Tickets are $18 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12, and free for kids 5 and under. Gates will open at 2:30 PM, qualifications are set for 4:30 PM, and racing will begin at 6:00 PM.
The 2024 500 Sprint Car Tour season will see nine point earning events across a ten race schedule from early April to mid October. The 76th Annual Little 500 will once again be a non-points earning event for the series, filling out the ten race schedule in its traditional Memorial Day Weekend slot. All races, including the 76th Annual Little 500, will be streamed LIVE on DIRTVision. For more information on the 500 Sprint Car Tour visit: 500sprintcartour.com and be sure to follow on social media (Facebook: 500 Sprint Car Tour | Twitter (X): @500SprintTour | Instagram: @500sprintcartour).
