USAC PLANE CRASH VICTIMS HONORED

Arlington, IN.........On Monday aternoon, the 40th anniversary of USAC's tragic aircraft accident near Arlington, Ind., families of the victims, race fans and members of the racing community gathered at the Arlington Christian Church to honor those who were involved in the April 23, 1978 accident. Unveiled at the function was a commemorative plaque erected by the Indiana Racing Memorial Association (IRMA) which stands at the Arlington East Hill Cemetery alongside U.S. Highway 52. Emceed by IRMA board member Bob Gates and presided over by IRMA founders Brian Hasler and Mark Eutsler, the event drew more than 100 who followed the ceremony by proceeding to the gravesite at the cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony where a granite marker carries the names of all who perished,. Doug Hardwick of the Gordon Pipers provided musical accompaniment and USAC and NASCAR star Tony Stewart, a former resident of nearby Rushville, also addressed the gathering. USAC's Dick Jordan and Indianapolis Motor Speedway historian Donald Davidson engaged those in attendance with memories and remembrances of the fateful night and their thoughts of the significant impact the crash had on the history of American motorsports. USAC Chaplain Tim Spillman delivered the invocation and his wife Ginny gave her heartfelt rendition of "Back Home Again in Indiana." First responder J.B. Gardner relayed his experiences of the night and attendees were handed a commemorative program courtesy of Ron McQueeney designed and created by USAC's Richie Murray.