4/2/2013
Sprint Source
TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR JUNE 1 USAC SILVER CROWN SERIES RETURN TO GATEWAY
One of the fastest tracks in “traditional” USAC Silver Crown history returns to the series June 1 when the TRAXXAS series returns to Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Ill.
Dave Steele’s 2001 Gateway record of 143.967 mph. is eclipsed only by Kody Swanson’s 146.212 mph at Iowa Speedway last year, discounting the “next-generation” cars which competed for several years.
The June 1 “Gateway 100” will mark the sixth appearance of the series at the 1.25-mile paved oval near St. Louis and the first event of any kind on the oval since the 2010 season. Previous Gateway Silver Crown races were won by Pat Abold (1997), J.J. Yeley (1998), Ryan Newman (1999), Tracy Hines (2000) and Steele (2001).
The race is round four of the 2012 TRAXXAS USAC Silver Crown Series and will be the second on pavement, following the May 18 USAC “Hall of Fame Classic” in Indianapolis, Ind.
“The Silver Crown series has a tremendous tradition in this region and we’re extremely excited to have them re-open the Superspeedway in this historic event,’ said Chris Blair, Gateway Motorsports Park Senior Vice-President. “The stars of USAC produced some incredible events here between 1997 and 2001 that were some of the most talked about in the long history of this incredible series.”
The Gateway 100 caps off a spectacular weekend of USAC national events in the St Louis Metro Area. On Friday, May 31, the USAC National Midget Series will compete at nearby Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Ill.
“Gateway is truly a driver’s track and this series is known for producing the stars of tomorrow,’ continued Blair. “Thanks to USAC and TRAXXAS, the excitement is building and the series is growing. This event could go down in the books as one of the greatest in the long history of asphalt champ car racing.”
Gateway Motorsports Park produces a tremendous challenge for drivers with it’s long straightaways, sweeping high banks through turns 1 and 2 and a tight configuration through turns 3 and 4. The cars will be capable of circling the track at over 180 miles per hour. It’s anticipated that all-time USAC speed records will be shattered.
In addition to the modern, high-speed marvels of the Silver Crown Series, the event will also feature historical racing from Can-Am Limited of St. Louis. The group will feature classic Indy cars on display and exhibition racing throughout the afternoon.
“The Gateway 100 will become a must attend event for race fans of all generations,” continued Blair. “We want the older fans to relive the glory of seeing former USAC champions such as Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman as they became champions behind the wheel of these beautiful machines. At the same time, we are working with the historical groups to provide younger fans with the opportunity to marvel at the machines from the past and see how the sport has evolved.”
Tickets are now on sale by calling the Gateway Motorsports Park ticket office at 618-215-8888 or by visiting www.gatewaymsp.com. Advance adult tickets are only $25 and kids 6-12 are just $5. All tickets are $5 more day of show. Children 5 and under are free.
“We look forward to our return to the St. Louis metro area,” adds USAC’s James Spink. The race at Gateway returns the series to one of the venues that contributed to its successful. “Gateway has always presented a unique challenge for our participants and coupled with out “Hut Hundred” at nearby Tri-City, race fans will surely target this weekend as a destination in 2013.”
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