In celebration of the 50th year of USAC Silver Crown Champ Car racing in 2020, we are reviewing the past 49 years of series history.
2010 USAC SILVER CROWN SEASON REVIEW
After running sixth in the point standings with just three races left in late September of the 2010 USAC Silver Crown season, Levi Jones and car owner Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing made a valiant comeback down the stretch to emerge as the series champions.
It’s the Olney, Illinois driver’s fourth USAC National title, first in the Silver Crown series. The title is Stewart’s 13th in National competition, four as a driver and now nine as a car owner.
Jones finished one position ahead of Bud Kaeding in the final race of the season at Toledo to win the title by a mere two points, equaling the closest margin between first and second in the history of the Silver Crown series alongside Mike Bliss over Ron Shuman in 1993 and Tony Stewart over Dave Darland in 1995.
Jones started off the season in fine form, catching three-time Silver Crown champion Kaeding on the final lap of the Copper on Dirt at USA Raceway to win the season opener for his first career series victory.
Jones led the points after race number one and wouldn’t head the standings again until the final event of the season. The point leader for every race in between was Kaeding, who had won three of the last four series championships in 2006-2007-2009 and was the one everyone was chasing all year long.
The overriding theme for much of the season was the emergence of a new crop of first-time Silver Crown winners – six in nine races! Jones got the ball rolling in the opener, but in quick succession, five additional competitors followed suit: A.J. Fike, Shane Hmiel, Tanner Swanson, Kody Swanson and Bryan Clauson.
Fike, of Galesburg, Ill., scored his first career USAC Silver Crown victory at Iowa Speedway in May by passing Hmiel on lap 16 of the 100-lap race. Hmiel of Pleasant Garden, N.C. found redemption in the ensuing Hoosier Hundred the following week at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, charging from 12th to first in 27 laps after changing a tire at the midway point of the 100-miler to win for the first time on dirt.
Brothers Tanner and Kody Swanson of Kingsburg, Calif. swept the top two spots in the Great Lakes 150 in August at Michigan’s Berlin Raceway. Tanner led the final 50 laps of the 150-lap race with Kody hounding his rear bumper all the way to the finish line. A wild finish got even wilder as Tanner, after taking the checkered flag, spun and hit the outside wall in turn one.
Kody’s time to shine came in the very next race, on the dirt, in the Ted Horn 100 at the Du Quoin (Ill.) State Fairgrounds where he took advantage of a relatively new series procedure, leading the final 49 miles after electing not to change his right-rear tire during the mid-race stoppage like the 10 teams in front of him did. That moved Kody from 11th to first on the restart where he then held off Jon Stanbrough down the stretch for the victory.
Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. led all 50 laps to give car owner and Eldora Speedway owner Tony Stewart a victory at his home track, Bryan’s first with the series, at the 4-Crown Nationals in September. Clauson was named series’ Rookie of the Year at season’s end.
Past series champion Tracy Hines of New Castle, Ind. scored one for the veterans, grabbing the lead from Bobby East on lap 64 and pacing the final 37 laps to win July’s J.D. Byrider 100 O’Reilly Raceway Park in Clermont, Ind., part of the track’s Kroger SpeedFest festivities.
Exiting Du Quoin, Jones found himself sixth in the standings, but a pole position – one of three for him during the year – and a third-place finish at the 4-Crown, elevated him to second in the championship hunt behind Kaeding, but still a hefty 41 markers behind with two events remaining.
Jones took care of business in the Sumar Classic at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track in the penultimate round in October, catching leader Dave Darland with six laps to go. Coming to the white flag, Darland flipped trying to regain the lead from Jones to no avail. The event, however, was marred by a qualification crash involving Shane Hmiel that left him paralyzed.
Kaeding led 17 laps of the Sumar but finished 15th and his point lead stood at just one over Levi entering the finale at Toledo.
Jerry Coons Jr. of Tucson, Ariz. won the Rollie Beale 150 at Toledo, but it was Jones who ultimately edged Kaeding by a mere two points to win the driving championship, finishing seventh with Kaeding lurking just behind in eighth. Kaeding had been running ahead of Jones until 27 laps to go when he was involved in a three-car tangle on the backstretch. Kaeding continued but was unable to catch and pass Jones for the title.
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JONES TAKES COPPER SILVER, GIVES STEWART RECORD-TYING VICTORY
Tucson, Arizona………Levi Jones of Olney, Ill. caught Bud Kaeding on the final lap of Sunday’s Rosemont Copper on Dirt 50-lap USAC Silver Crown race at USA Raceway and beat him to the checkered flag.
The win in the Tony Stewart Racing Bass Pro Shops/Chevy Maxim Kistler/Chevy was Jones’ first in the series and gave Stewart a record-tying 23rd career Silver Crown win as an owner, tying him with Six-R Racing.
Kaeding led the first 49 laps of Sunday’s race until Jones’ last-lap charge and finished second ahead of Bobby East, Jerry Coons Jr. and Tracy Hines. Jones was also Friday’s fastest Silver Crown qualifier and won Friday’s “dash” to earn the pole starting spot for the 50-lap finale.
Saturday’s scheduled events at Tucson were rained out and moved to Sunday.
USAC SILVER CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP RACE RESULTS: February 19-21, 2010 – Tucson, Arizona – USA Raceway – Rosemont Copper on Dirt
QUALIFYING: 1. Levi Jones, 10, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-17.016; 2. Bryan Clauson, 22, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-17.157; 3. Jerry Coons Jr., 27, RW-17.337; 4. Shane Hmiel, 17, RW-17.469; 5. Derek Hagar, 91, Hagar-17.574; 6. Brian Tyler, 21, Six-R-17.610; 7. Bobby East, 6, Klatt-17.642; 8. Tracy Hines, 16, Lightfoot-17.668; 9. Bud Kaeding, 29, BK-17.695; 10. A.J. Fike, 3, RFMS-17.849; 11. Shane Hollingsworth, 20, Nolen-17.963; 12. Coleman Gulick, 14, Gulick-18.061; 13. Justin Carver, 991, Edwards/RE Technologies-18.128; 14. Russ Gamester, 51, Gamester-18.138; 15. Tanner Swanson, 23, Six-R/TK-18.177; 16. Kody Swanson, 19, Six-R-18.324; 17. Zach Daum, 50, Daum-18.525; 18. Mike Martin, 116, Racing Associates-18.539; 19. Bobby Santos, 199, Edwards/RE Technologies-19.273; 20. Murray Erickson, 8, Guardian-19.856.
DASH: (8 laps) 1. Levi Jones, 2. Bryan Clauson, 3. Shane Hmiel, 4. Derek Hagar, 5. Jerry Coons Jr., 6. Brian Tyler. NT
QUALIFYING RACE: (12 laps) 1. Coleman Gulick, 2. Shane Hollingsworth, 3. Russ Gamester, 4. Justin Carver, 5. Tanner Swanson, 6. Bobby Santos, 7. Zach Daum, 8. Kody Swanson, 9. Mike Martin, 10. Murray Erickson. NT
FEATURE: (50 laps, starting positions in parentheses) 1. Levi Jones (1), 2. Bud Kaeding (9), 3. Bobby East (7), 4. Jerry Coons Jr. (5), 5. Tracy Hines (8), 6. Shane Hollingsworth (12), 7. A.J. Fike (10), 8. Derek Hagar (4), 9. Brian Tyler (6), 10. Russ Gamester (13), 11. Bryan Clauson (2), 12. Justin Carver (14), 13. Tanner Swanson (15), 14. Kody Swanson (18), 15. Bobby Santos (16), 16. Murray Erickson (20), 17. Coleman Gulick (11), 18. Shane Hmiel (3), 19. Mike Martin (19), 20. Zach Daum (17). NT
**Kody Swanson flipped during the semi.
FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-49 Bud Kaeding, Lap 50 Levi Jones.
NEW SILVER CROWN POINTS: 1-Levi Jones-63; 2-Bud Kaeding-60; 3-Bobby East-54; 4-Jerry Coons Jr.-51; 5-Tracy Hines-48; 6-Shane Hollingsworth-45; 7-A.J. Fike-42; 8-Derek Hagar-39; 9-Brian Tyler-36; 10-Russ Gamester-33.
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FIKE GETS 1ST SILVER CROWN WIN AT IOWA SPEEDWAY
Newton, Iowa………A.J. Fike of Galesburg, Ill. scored his first career USAC Silver Crown victory Saturday at Iowa Speedway, winning the 100-lap Casey’s General Stores USAC Triple Crown Pride of Iowa race on the 7/8-mile paved oval.
Fike passed Shane Hmiel on lap 16 and led the rest of the way in his Liberty Village/McGladrey & Pullen Beast/Foxco. Kody Swanson outdueled new series point leader Bud Kaeding to finish second. Hmiel took fourth ahead of Jerry Coons Jr.
Bobby East was the fastest qualifier but failed to finish the 100-lapper after leading the first two laps. Kaeding, hoping to become USAC’s first four-time Silver Crown champion, leads Fike by nine points in the new standings.
USAC SILVER CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP RACE RESULTS: May 22, 2010 – Newton, Iowa – Iowa Speedway – Casey’s General Stores USAC Triple Crown Pride of Iowa
QUALIFYING: 1. Bobby East, 6, Klatt-22.028; 2. Brad Sweet, 67, Zarounian-22.228; 3. Shane Hmiel, 17, RW-22.240; 4. A.J. Fike, 3, RFMS-22.406; 5. Russ Gamester, 51, Gamester-22.472; 6. Zach Daum, 50, Daum-22.508; 7. Brian Tyler, 21, Six-R-22.573; 8. Levi Jones, 10, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-22.627; 9. Jacob Wilson, 07, WBR/Six-R-22.661; 10. Bud Kaeding, 29, BK-22.663; 11. Shane Hollingsworth, 20, Nolen-22.770; 12. Jerry Coons Jr., 27, RW-22.780; 13. Kody Swanson, 19, Six-R-22.814; 14. Tracy Hines, 25, Vance-22.822; 15. Bobby Santos, 199, Edwards/RE Technologies-22.886; 16. Scott Pierovich, 28, Pierson-22.911; 17. Bryan Clauson, 22, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-23.037; 18. Jeff Mitrisin, 46, Mitrisin-23.562; 19. Justin Carver, 991, Edwards/RE Technologies-23.635; 20. Derek Hagar, 91, Edwards/RE Technologies-23.670; 21. Coleman Gulick, 114, Deuel-24.151; 22. Jason Leffler, 4, Beast-24.179; 23. Tanner Swanson, 23, Six-R/TK-NT.
FEATURE: (100 laps, starting positions in parentheses) 1. A.J. Fike (4), 2. Kody Swanson (13), 3. Bud Kaeding (10), 4. Shane Hmiel (3), 5. Jerry Coons Jr. (12), 6. Zach Daum (6), 7. Brian Tyler (7), 8. Coleman Gulick (21), 9. Jeff Mitrisin (18), 10. Bobby Santos (15), 11. Derek Hagar (20), 12. Shane Hollingsworth (11), 13. Levi Jones (8), 14. Jason Leffler (22), 15. Bryan Clauson (17), 16. Justin Carver (19), 17. Tanner Swanson (23), 18. Bobby East (1), 19. Tracy Hines (14), 20. Brad Sweet (2), 21. Jacob Wilson (9), 22. Russ Gamester (5), 23. Scott Pierovich (16). NT
FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-2 Bobby East, Laps 3-15 Shane Hmiel, Laps 16-100 A.J. Fike.
NEW SILVER CROWN POINTS: 1-Bud Kaeding-114; 2-A.J. Fike-105; 3-Jerry Coons-99; 4-Levi Jones-90; 5-Kody Swanson-82; 6-Brian Tyler-78; 7-Shane Hollingsworth-74; 8-Bobby East-74; 9-Derek Hagar-70; 10-Shane Hmiel-68.
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HMIEL GETS 1ST DIRT WIN AT HOOSIER HUNDRED
Indianapolis, Indiana………Shane Hmiel of Pleasant Garden, N.C. won Friday night’s 58th Hoosier Hundred USAC Silver Crown Championship race at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
The win in the Rotondo Weirich/Champion Brands Beast/Toyota was Shane’s first ever on dirt. He was leading when the race was stopped by a competition red flag after lap 51 but was among the first eight leaders who all changed right rear tires and had to restart back in the field. He actually ended up 12th in the realignment but ran down leader Russ Gamester on lap 77 and held on the rest of the way for the victory.
Series champion and point leader Bud Kaeding finished second ahead of Jerry Coons Jr., Kody Swanson and Dave Darland.
Levi Jones started on the pole and eventually finished 11th. On the lap 52 restart, Shane Hollingsworth ended up as the leader, but three laps later, Gamester went to the front on another restart and he led until Hmiel took over. Gamester eventually retired from competition on lap 95. Bobby East escaped injury in a flip on lap 10.
USAC SILVER CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP RACE RESULTS: May 28, 2010 – Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana State Fairgrounds – 58th Hoosier Hundred
QUALIFYING: 1. Levi Jones, 10, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-33.090; 2. Shane Hmiel, 17, RW-33.201; 3. Jon Stanbrough, 37, Riggs-33.285; 4. Zach Daum, 50, Daum-33.057; 5. Brad Kuhn, 43, Nix-33.465; 6. Jerry Coons Jr., 27, RW-33.526; 7. Todd Kane, 63, DePalma-33.569; 8. Dave Darland, 56, Foxco-33.592; 9. Tracy Hines, 16, Lightfoot-33.631; 10. Aaron Pierce, 26, Pierce-33.633; 11. Russ Gamester, 51, Gamester-33.732; 12. Shane Hollingsworth, 20, Nolen-33.891; 13. Tom Capie, 153, Capie-33.930; 14. A.J. Fike, 3, RFMS-33.947; 15. Brian Tyler, 21, Six-R-33.951; 16. Jeff Swindell, 199, Edwards/RE Technologies-33.964; 17. John Heydenreich, 90, Heydenreich-33.980; 18. Shane Cottle, 5, Baldwin-34.015; 19. Bud Kaeding, 29, BK-34.076; 20. Bobby East, 6, Klatt-34.115; 21. Chris Urish, 77, Urish-34.170; 22. Justin Carver, 991, Edwards/RE Technologies-34.261; 23. Kody Swanson, 19, Six-R-34.345; 24. Mike Hess, 163, Aquilini-34.349; 25. Tanner Swanson, 23, Six-R/TK-34.418; 26. Rob Chaney, 97, SC-34.443; 27. Coleman Gulick, 114, Gulick-34.509; 28. Bryan Clauson, 22, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-34.544; 29. Davey Ray, 141, FattFro-34.575; 30. Murray Erickson, 8, Guardian-34.711; 31. Mike Martin, 116, Racing Associates-34.948; 32. Derek Hagar, 91, Hagar-35.231; 33. Rex Norris III, 08, Norris-35.429; 34. Von McGee, 65, Hartenstine-35.750; 35. Randy Bateman, 55, Bateman-NT; 36. Donnie Beechler, 14, McQuinn-NT.
FEATURE: (100 laps, starting positions in parentheses) 1. Shane Hmiel (2), 2. Bud Kaeding (19), 3. Jerry Coons Jr. (6), 4. Kody Swanson (#23) (35), 5. Dave Darland (8), 6. A.J. Fike (14), 7. John Heydenreich (17), 8. Tracy Hines (9), 9. Shane Cottle (18), 10. Brian Tyler (15), 11. Levi Jones (1), 12. Bryan Clauson (26), 13. Coleman Gulick (25), 14. Todd Kane (7), 15. Randy Bateman (33), 16. Derek Hagar (30), 17. Chris Urish (21), 18. Mike Martin (29), 19. Justin Carver (22), 20. Zach Daum (4), 21. Rex Norris III (31), 22. Russ Gamester (11), 23. Shane Hollingsworth (12), 24. Von McGee (32), 25. Aaron Pierce (10), 26. Jeff Swindell (16), 27. Rob Chaney (24), 28. Mike Hess (23), 29. Murray Erickson (28), 30. Davey Ray (27), 31. Brad Kuhn (5), 32. Bobby East (20), 33. Tom Capie (13), 34. Donnie Beechler (34), 35. Jon Stanbrough (3). NT
**Bobby East flipped on lap 10 of the feature.
FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-4 Levi Jones, laps 5-51 Shane Hmiel, Laps 52-54 Shane Hollingsworth, Laps 55-76 Russ Gamester, Laps 77-100 Shane Hmiel.
NEW SILVER CROWN POINTS: 1-Bud Kaeding-171; 2-Jerry Coons Jr.-153; 3-A.J. Fike-150; 4-Kody Swanson-133; 5-Shane Hmiel-131; 6-Levi Jones-124; 7-Brian Tyler-111; 8-Tracy Hines-102; 9-Derek Hagar-91; 10-Bryan Clauson-83.
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HINES LEADS LAST 37 LAPS TO TAKE J.D. BYRIDER 100 AT ORP
Clermont, Indiana………Tracy Hines of New Castle, Ind. grabbed the lead from Bobby East on lap 64 and led the final 37 laps to win Thursday night’s J.D. Byrider 100 USAC Silver Crown race at O’Reilly Raceway Park, part of the track’s 2010 Kroger SpeedFest.
Hines piloted the Aristocrat Products Beast/Gaerte to the win over Levi Jones, Jacob Wilson, Brad Sweet and Bobby East.
Sweet won the pole but Ryan Newman started second and led the opening lap. Sweet and Kody Swanson also led laps before East took over on lap 35.
Bud Kaeding finished seventh and emerged with a 34-point series lead over Jones.
USAC SILVER CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP RACE RESULTS: July 22, 2010 – Clermont, Indiana – O’Reilly Raceway Park – J.D. Byrider 100
QUALIFYING: 1. Brad Sweet, 67, Zarounian-20.939; 2. Ryan Newman, 11, Bowman/Canine-20.980; 3. Tracy Hines, 25, Vance-21.020; 4. Kody Swanson, 19, Six-R-21.047; 5. A.J. Fike, 3, RFMS-21.129; 6. Tanner Swanson, 23, Six-R/TK-21.150; 7. Levi Jones, 10, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-21.153; 8. Jacob Wilson, 07, WBR/Six-R-21.162; 9. Jerry Coons Jr., 27, RW-21.181; 10. Bobby East, 6, Klatt-21.190; 11. Bud Kaeding, 29, BK-21.207; 12. Zach Daum, 50, Daum-21.239; 13. Bobby Santos, 199, Edwards/RE Technologies-21.248; 14. Bryan Clauson, 22, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-21.331; 15. Eric Gordon, 2, Bowman/Canine-21.417; 16. Shane Hmiel, 17, RW-21.420; 17. Brian Tyler, 21, Six-R-21.441; 18. Jason Leffler, 9, Beast-21.458; 19. Russ Gamester, 51, Gamester-21.486; 20. Mario Marietta, 15, Beach-21.552; 21. Tyler Walker, 52, Vance-21.563; 22. Aaron Pierce, 26, Pierce-21.678; 23. Mike Larrison, 4, Beast-21.716; 24. Justin Carver, 991, Edwards/RE Technologies-21.782; 25. Shane Hollingsworth, 20, Nolen-21.839; 26. Mike Lichty, 94, Lichty-22.026; 27. Derek Hagar, 91, Hagar-22.108; 28. Coleman Gulick, 114, Gulick-22.500; 29. Zach Martini, 125, Sachs/Yermal-23.300; 30. Troy DeCaire, 96, Weesner-23.326.
FEATURE: (100 laps, starting positions in parentheses) 1. Tracy Hines (3), 2. Levi Jones (7), 3. Jacob Wilson (8), 4. Brad Sweet (1), 5. Bobby East (10), 6. Bobby Santos (13), 7. Bud Kaeding (11), 8. Shane Hmiel (16), 9. Jerry Coons Jr. (9), 10. Troy DeCaire (30), 11. Bryan Clauson (14), 12. Brian Tyler (17), 13. Eric Gordon (15), 14. Mario Marietta (20), 15. A.J. Fike (5), 16. Justin Carver (24), 17. Aaron Pierce (22), 18. Shane Hollingsworth (25), 19. Mike Larrison (23), 20. Tanner Swanson (6), 21. Coleman Gulick (28), 22. Derek Hagar (27), 23. Kody Swanson (4), 24. Ryan Newman (2), 25. Mike Lichty (26), 26. Russ Gamester (19), 27. Zach Daum (12), 28. Jason Leffler (18), 29. Zach Martini (29), 30. Tyler Walker (21). NT
FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Lap 1 Ryan Newman, Laps 2-4 Brad Sweet, Laps 5-24 Kody Swanson, Laps 25-34 Brad Sweet, Laps 35-63 Bobby East, Laps 64-100 Tracy Hines.
NEW SILVER CROWN POINTS: 1-Bud Kaeding-213; 2-Jerry Coons Jr.-189; 3-Levi Jones-181; 4-A.J. Fike-173; 5-Shane Hmiel-170; 6-Tracy Hines-165; 7-Kody Swanson-143; 8-Brian Tyler-140; 9-Bobby East-123; 10-Bryan Clauson-114.
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BROTHERS TANNER & KODY GIVE SWANSONS A BERLIN 1-2 SWEEP
Marne, Michigan………Brothers Tanner and Kody Swanson of Kingsburg, Calif. swept the top two spots in Thursday night’s Great Lakes 150 USAC Silver Crown race at Berlin Raceway.
Tanner grabbed lead from Bobby East on lap 101 and led the final 50 laps in his Toyota/TK Motorsports Beast.
After taking the checkered flag, Tanner spun into the outside wall in turn one. Kody was right on Tanner’s rear bumper on the final lap but couldn’t mount a charge. Series point leader Bud Kaeding took third ahead of pole starter Bryan Clauson and Justin Carver as the top-five drivers finished on the lead lap.
Kaeding’s finish helped him maintain the series point lead in search of a record fourth Silver Crown championship.
Five yellow flags slowed the race. Clauson led the first 42 laps and East led the next 58 before Tanner took over.
USAC SILVER CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP RACE RESULTS: August 12, 2010 – Marne, Michigan – Berlin Raceway – Great Lakes 150
QUALIFYING: 1. Bryan Clauson, 22, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-16.182; 2. Jacob Wilson, 07, WBR/Six-R-16.194; 3. Tanner Swanson, 23, Six-R/TK-16.288; 4. Bobby East, 6, Klatt-16.351; 5. Eric Gordon, 2, Bowman/Canine-16.352; 6. Kody Swanson, 19, Six-R-16.355; 7. Levi Jones, 10, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-16.365; 8. Bud Kaeding, 29, BK-16.387; 9. A.J. Fike, 3, RFMS-16.424; 10. Brian Tyler, 21, Six-R-16.424; 11. Tracy Hines, 25, Vance-16.449; 12. Justin Carver, 991, Edwards/RE Technologies-16.484; 13. Zach Daum, 50, Daum-16.500; 14. Troy DeCaire, 96, Weesner-16.656; 15. Jerry Coons Jr., 27, RW-16.699; 16. Cameron Dodson, 199, Edwards/RE Technologies-16.715; 17. Shane Hmiel, 17, RW-16.784; 18. Shane Hollingsworth, 20, Nolen-16.838; 19. Russ Gamester, 51, Gamester-16.881; 20. Derek Hagar, 91, Hagar-17.134; 21. Zach Martini, 125, Sachs/Yermal-17.606;
FEATURE: (150 laps, starting positions in parentheses) 1. Tanner Swanson (3), 2. Kody Swanson (6), 3. Bud Kaeding (8), 4. Bryan Clauson (1), 5. Justin Carver (12), 6. Brian Tyler (10), 7. A.J. Fike (9), 8. Jacob Wilson (2), 9. Jerry Coons Jr. (15), 10. Troy DeCaire (14), 11. Bobby East (4), 12. Levi Jones (7), 13. Shane Hmiel (17), 14. Tracy Hines (11), 15. Cameron Dodson (16), 16. Derek Hagar (20), 17. Eric Gordon (5), 18. Zach Martini (21), 19. Zach Daum (13), 20. Shane Hollingsworth (18), 21. Russ Gamester (19). NT
FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-42 Bryan Clauson, Laps 43-100 Bobby East, Laps 101-150 Tanner Swanson.
NEW SILVER CROWN POINTS: 1-Bud Kaeding-267; 2-Jerry Coons Jr.-225; 3-A.J. Fike-215; 4-Levi Jones-210; 5-Kody Swanson-200; 6-Shane Hmiel-197; 7-Tracy Hines-190; 8-Brian Tyler-185; 9-Bryan Clauson-168; 10-Bobby East-154.
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KODY SWANSON TAKES Du QUOIN’S TED HORN 100
Du Quoin, Illinois………Kody Swanson of Kingsburg, Calif. took advantage of a relatively new USAC Silver Crown procedure and ended up winning the Ted Horn 100 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds Sunday night in his Toyota/Team Six-R Beast.
The win was Kody’s first in series competition as he led the final 49 miles of the race after a mid-race stop. Swanson elected not to change the right-rear tire during the mid-race stoppage and was able to hold off Jon Stanbrough for the victory. Swanson's decision moved him from 11th to first for the lap 52 restart.
Todd Kane, the only other driver who elected not to change the tire, finished third ahead of Shane Hmiel and Dave Darland.
Jerry Coons Jr., who won the pole and led the first 51 laps, eventually fell to 15th in the final race standings.
Series point leader Bud Kaeding emerged with a 36-point lead over Swanson after finishing 12th on Sunday night.
USAC SILVER CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP RACE RESULTS: September 5, 2010 – Du Quoin, Illinois – Du Quoin State Fairgrounds – Ted Horn 100
QUALIFYING: 1. Jerry Coons Jr., 27, RW-31.240; 2. Jon Stanbrough, 37, Riggs-31.263; 3. Levi Jones, 10, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-31.388; 4. Bobby East, 6, Klatt-31.420; 5. Mike Hess, 39, Aquilini-31.793; 6. Jeff Swindell, 199, Edwards/RE Technologies-31.806; 7. Bryan Clauson, 22, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-31.834; 8. A.J. Fike, 3, RFMS-31.845; 9. Dave Darland, 56, Foxco-31.922; 10. Bud Kaeding, 29, BK-32.045; 11. Shane Hmiel, 17, RW-32.200; 12. Shane Cottle, 5, Baldwin-32.225; 13. Brian Tyler, 21, Six-R-32.258; 14. Tracy Hines, 16, Lightfoot-32.372; 15. Tanner Swanson, 19, Six-R-32.401; 16. Kody Swanson, 23, Six-R/TK-32.445; 17. Shane Hollingsworth, 20, Nolen-32.489; 18. Brad Kuhn, 43, Nix-32.641; 19. Russ Gamester, 51, Gamester-32.648; 20. Randy Bateman, 55, Bateman-32.752; 21. Coleman Gulick, 114, Gulick-32.782; 22. Tom Capie, 153, Capie-32.797; 23. John Heydenreich, 90, Heydenreich-32.821; 24. Bill Rose, 97, SC-33.008; 25. Terry Babb, 34, Morford-33.051; 26. Todd Kane, 63, DePalma-33.231; 27. Chris Urish, 77, Urish-33.275; 28. Justin Carver, 991, Edwards/RE Technologies-33.357; 29. Zach Daum, 50, Daum-NT; 30. Donnie Beechler, 14, McQuinn-NT; 31. Derek Hagar, 91, Hagar-NT.
FEATURE: (100 laps, starting positions in parentheses) 1. Kody Swanson (16), 2. Jon Stanbrough (2), 3. Todd Kane (26), 4. Shane Hmiel (11), 5. Dave Darland (9), 6. Brian Tyler (13), 7. Jeff Swindell (6), 8. Bobby East (4), 9. John Heydenreich (23), 10. Levi Jones (3), 11. A.J. Fike (8), 12. Bud Kaeding (10), 13. Bryan Clauson (7), 14. Shane Cottle (12), 15. Jerry Coons Jr. (1), 16. Brad Kuhn (18), 17. Tom Capie (22), 18. Russ Gamester (19), 19. Justin Carver (28), 20. Tracy Hines (14), 21. Chris Urish (27), 22. Bill Rose (24), 23. Terry Babb (25), 24. Randy Bateman (20), 25. Shane Hollingsworth (17), 26. Tanner Swanson (15), 27. Mike Hess (5), 28. Coleman Gulick (21). NT
FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-51 Jerry Coons Jr., Laps 52-100 Kody Swanson.
NEW SILVER CROWN POINTS: 1-Bud Kaeding-296; 2-Kody Swanson-260; 3-Jerry Coons Jr.-254; 4-Shane Hmiel-248; 5-A.J. Fike-246; 6-Levi Jones-243; 7-Brian Tyler-230; 8-Tracy Hines-203; 9-Bobby East-196; 10-Bryan Clauson-195.
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CLAUSON COLLECTS FIRST SILVER CROWN WIN AT ELDORA
Rossburg, Ohio………USAC Silver Crown Rookie Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. led all 50 laps to give car owner and Eldora Speedway owner Tony Stewart a victory in Saturday night’s race at the 1/2-mile Ohio oval.
Trailing Clauson’s Bass Pro Shops/Armor All Beast/Kistler Chevy entered by Stewart and Curb-Agajanian Racing were Dave Darland, fast qualifier Levi Jones, Shane Hmiel and Todd Kane. Series point leader Bud Kaeding finished sixth.
USAC SILVER CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES RACE RESULTS: September 24-25, 2010 – Rossburg, Ohio – Eldora Speedway – 29th 4-Crown Nationals
QUALIFYING: 1. Levi Jones, 10, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-16.759; 2. Bryan Clauson, 22, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-16.861; 3. Dave Darland, 56, Foxco-16.909; 4. Shane Hmiel, 17, RW-16.939; 5. Jeff Swindell, 199, Edwards/RE Technologies-16.969; 6. Bud Kaeding, 29, BK-17.126; 7. Jerry Coons Jr., 27, RW-17.176; 8. Jon Stanbrough, 37, Riggs-17.293; 9. Shane Cottle, 5, Baldwin-17.380; 10. Justin Carver, 991, Edwards/RE Technologies-17.433; 11. Bobby East, 6, Klatt-17.469; 12. Brian Tyler, 21, Six-R-17.491; 13. Derek Hagar, 91, Hagar-17.566; 14. Todd Kane, 63, DePalma-17.576; 15. Tracy Hines, 16, Lightfoot-17.701; 16. Shane Hollingsworth, 20, Nolen-17.710; 17. Tanner Swanson, 19, Six-R-17.818; 18. A.J. Fike, 3, RFMS-17.921; 19. Mike Hess, 39, Aquilini-18.010; 20. Bill Rose, 97, SC-18.025; 21. Zach Daum, 50, Daum-18.156; 22. Russ Gamester, 51, Gamester-18.248; 23. Robert Ballou, 125, Sachs/Yermal-18.388; 24. Kody Swanson, 23, Six-R/TK-18.453; 25. Randy Bateman, 55, Bateman-19.326; 26. Kellen Conover, 76, Conover-20.130.
QUALIFYING RACE: (15 laps) 1. Todd Kane, 2. Shane Hollingsworth, 3. Derek Hagar, 4. Robert Ballou, 5. Tanner Swanson, 6. Kody Swanson, 7. Bill Rose, 8. Zach Daum, 9. Tracy Hines, 10. Randy Bateman, 11. Kellen Conover, 12. Mike Hess, 13. Russ Gamester, 14. A.J. Fike. NT
FEATURE: (50 laps, starting positions in parentheses) 1. Bryan Clauson (2), 2. Dave Darland (3), 3. Levi Jones (1), 4. Shane Hmiel (4), 5. Todd Kane (13), 6. Bud Kaeding (6), 7. Jon Stanbrough (8), 8. Robert Ballou (16), 9. Shane Hollingsworth (14), 10. Brian Tyler (12), 11. Derek Hagar (15), 12. Kody Swanson (18), 13. Jeff Swindell (5), 14. Jerry Coons Jr. (7), 15. Bill Rose (19), 16. Bobby East (11), 17. Zach Daum (20), 18. Tracy Hines (21), 19. Randy Bateman (22), 20. A.J. Fike (26), 21. Kellen Conover (23), 22. Mike Hess (24), 23. Shane Cottle (9), 24. Russ Gamester (25), 25. Justin Carver (10), 26. Tanner Swanson (17). NT
FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-50 Bryan Clauson.
NEW SILVER CROWN POINTS: 1-Bud Kaeding-341; 2-Levi Jones-300; 3-Shane Hmiel-299; 4-Kody Swanson-289; 5-Jerry Coons Jr.-279; 6-Brian Tyler-263; 7-A.J. Fike-259; 8-Bryan Clauson-258; 9-Tracy Hines-220; 10-Bobby East-217.
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JONES, CLAUSON GIVE STEWART TEAM 1-2 SUMAR SWEEP; HMIEL CRITICAL AFTER FLIP
Terre Haute, Indiana………Levi Jones of Olney, Ill. caught leader Dave Darland on lap 95 and led the final six laps of Saturday night’s 100-lap USAC Silver Crown Sumar Classic at the Terre Haute Action Track.
Jones was followed to the checkered flag by his Tony Stewart Racing teammate Bryan Clauson, Shane Cottle, Terry Babb and Kody Swanson. Jones piloted the Bass Pro Shops/Armor All Beast/Kistler Chevy to the win, his second this season.
Darland flipped on lap 99 trying to regain the lead from Jones and officially finished ninth. Pole starter Jon Stanbrough failed to finish. Bud Kaeding led 17 laps of the race but finished 15th and his point lead now stands at just one over Jones.
Shane Hmiel suffered critical injuries in a single car qualifying accident and was transported to Indianapolis’ Methodist Hospital where he is in the intensive care unit.
USAC SILVER CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP RACE RESULTS: October 9, 2010 – Terre Haute, Indiana – Terre Haute Action Track – Sumar Classic
QUALIFYING: 1. Jon Stanbrough, 37, Riggs-20.214; 2. Levi Jones, 10, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-20.220; 3. Dave Darland, 56, Foxco-20.288; 4. Bud Kaeding, 29, BK-20.312; 5. Bryan Clauson, 22, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-20.358; 6. Bobby East, 6, Klatt-20.498; 7. Brian Tyler, 21, Six-R-20.553; 8. Jerry Coons Jr., 27, RW-20.661; 9. Tom Capie, 153, Capie-20.819; 10. Shane Hollingsworth, 20, Nolen-20.827; 11. Tracy Hines, 16, Lightfoot-20.829; 12. A.J. Fike, 3, RFMS-20.856; 13. Jeff Swindell, 199, Edwards/RE Technologies-20.870; 14. Matt Westfall, 97, SC-20.948; 15. John Heydenreich, 90, Heydenreich-21.057; 16. Zach Daum, 50, Daum-21.073; 17. Justin Carver, 991, Edwards/RE Technologies-21.081; 18. Terry Babb, 34, Morford-21.118; 19. Shane Cottle, 5, Baldwin-21.186; 20. Todd Kane, 63, DePalma-21.321; 21. Tanner Swanson, 19, Six-R-21.475; 22. Derek Hagar, 91, Hagar-21.519; 23. Mike Hess, 39, Aquilini-21.533; 24. Kody Swanson, 23, Six-R/TK-21.629; 25. Russ Gamester, 51, Gamester-21.911; 26. Randy Bateman, 55, Bateman-22.454; 27. Donnie Beechler, 14, McQuinn-22.530; 28. Shane Hmiel, 17, RW-NT; 29. Kellen Conover, 76, Conover-NT; 30. Robert Ballou, 125, Sachs/Yermal-NT.
FEATURE: (100 laps, starting positions in parentheses) 1. Levi Jones (2), 2. Bryan Clauson (5), 3. Shane Cottle (19), 4. Terry Babb (18), 5. Kody Swanson (24), 6. Shane Hollingsworth (10), 7. Bobby East (6), 8. Tom Capie (9), 9. Jeff Swindell (13), 10. Dave Darland (3), 11. A.J. Fike (12), 12. Kellen Conover (28), 13. Tanner Swanson (21), 14. Todd Kane (20), 15. Bud Kaeding (4), 16. Jon Stanbrough (1), 17. Brian Tyler (7), 18. Russ Gamester (25), 19. Tracy Hines (11), 20. Zach Daum (16), 21. Matt Westfall (14), 22. John Heydenreich (15), 23. Mike Hess (23), 24. Jerry Coons Jr. (8), 25. Justin Carver (17), 26. Derek Hagar (22), 27. Randy Bateman (26), 28. Donnie Beechler (27). NT
**Shane Hmiel flipped during qualifications and was transferred to Indianapolis’ Methodist Hospital for treatment. Dave Darland flipped on lap 99 of the feature.
FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-40 Levi Jones, Laps 41-57 Bud Kaeding, Laps 58-94 Dave Darland, Laps 95-100 Levi Jones.
NEW SILVER CROWN POINTS: 1-Bud Kaeding-364; 2-Levi Jones-363; 3-Kody Swanson-337; 4-Bryan Clauson-315; 5-Shane Hmiel-299; 6-A.J. Fike-290; 7-Jerry Coons Jr.-288; 8-Brian Tyler-282; 9-Bobby East-259; 10-Tracy Hines-235.
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COONS WINS ROLLIE BEALE 150, JONES TAKES SILVER CROWN TITLE BY 2 POINTS
Toledo, Ohio………Jerry Coons Jr. of Tucson, Ariz. won Saturday’s Rollie Beale 150 at Toledo Speedway, but Levi Jones edged Bud Kaeding by two points to win the 2010 USAC Silver Crown championship.
Jones finished seventh and Kaeding eighth in the 150-lap race, leaving Jones as the champion.
Coons took the lead on lap 59 when leader Jacob Wilson slid into the third turn wall. Coons then led the final 92 laps in his Rotondo Weirich/Champion Brands Beast/Toyota. Kody Swanson finished a close second ahead of Bobby East, Bryan Clauson and A.J. Fike.
The championship battle turned on lap 124 when Kaeding, running ahead of Jones and headed for the title, was involved in a three-car tangle on the backstretch. He was able to continue but needed to pass Jones to claim the championship. The title is Jones’ first in the Silver Crown series. Tanner Swanson flipped during the lap 124 accident but escaped injury.
USAC SILVER CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP RACE RESULTS: October 16, 2010 – Toledo, Ohio – Toledo Speedway – Rollie Beale 150
QUALIFYING: 1. Jerry Coons Jr., 27, RW-14.970; 2. Jacob Wilson, 07, WBR/Six-R-14.974; 3. Bud Kaeding, 29, BK-14.978; 4. Levi Jones, 10, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-15.008; 5. Kody Swanson, 19, Six-R-15.018; 6. Bobby East, 6, Klatt-15.038; 7. Tracy Hines, 25, Vance-15.039; 8. A.J. Fike, 3, RFMS-15.041; 9. Tanner Swanson, 23, Six-R/TK-15.119; 10. Bryan Clauson, 22, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-15.126; 11. Brian Tyler, 21, Six-R-15.151; 12. Russ Gamester, 51, Gamester-15.193; 13. Shane Hollingsworth, 20, Nolen-15.257; 14. Zach Daum, 50, Daum-15.304; 15. Justin Carver, 991, Edwards/RE Technologies-15.326; 16. Jeff Swindell, 199, Edwards/RE Technologies-15.506; 17. Troy DeCaire, 52, Vance-15.527; 18. Derek Hagar, 91, Hagar-15.638; 19. Dave Darland, 41, Paternoster-15.745; 20. Zach Martini, 125, Sachs/Yermal-16.662.
FEATURE: (150 laps, starting positions in parentheses) 1. Jerry Coons Jr. (1), 2. Kody Swanson (5), 3. Bobby East (6), 4. Bryan Clauson (10), 5. A.J. Fike (8), 6. Brian Tyler (11), 7. Levi Jones (4), 8. Bud Kaeding (3), 9. Justin Carver (15), 10. Zach Daum (14), 11. Dave Darland (19), 12. Russ Gamester (12), 13. Derek Hagar (18), 14. Zach Martini (20), 15. Tanner Swanson (9), 16. Tracy Hines (7), 17. Shane Hollingsworth (13), 18. Jeff Swindell (16), 19. Troy DeCaire (17), 20. Jacob Wilson (2). NT
FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-58 Jacob Wilson, Laps 59-150 Jerry Coons Jr.
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2010 USAC SILVER CROWN DRIVER POINTS
1. (405) Levi Jones, Olney, Ill.
2. (403) Bud Kaeding, Campbell, Calif.
3. (394) Kody Swanson, Kingsburg, Calif.
4. (366) Bryan Clauson, Noblesville, Ind.
5. (354) Jerry Coons Jr., Tucson, Ariz.
6. (338) A.J. Fike, Galesburg, Ill.
7. (327) Brian Tyler, Parma, Mich.
8. (313) Bobby East, Brownsburg, Ind.
9. (299) Shane Hmiel, Pleasant Garden, N.C.
10. (256) Tracy Hines, New Castle, Ind.
11. (222) Shane Hollingsworth, Indianapolis, Ind.
12. (217) Dave Darland, Lincoln, Ind.
13. (201) Justin Carver, Drummonds, Texas
14. (188) Derek Hagar, Marion, Ark.
15. (183) Tanner Swanson, Kingsburg, Calif.
16. (157) Zach Daum, Pocahontas, Ill.
17. (152) Todd Kane, Powell, Ohio
18. (146) Russ Gamester, Peru, Ind.
19. (129) Jeff Swindell, Germantown, Tenn.
20. (125) Shane Cottle, Kansas, Ill.
21. (124) Jon Stanbrough, Avon, Ind.
22. (118) Jacob Wilson, Crawfordsville, Ind.
23. (102) Coleman Gulick, Binghamton, N.Y.
24. (101) Bobby Santos, Franklin, Mass.
25. (89) John Heydenreich, Bloomsburg, Pa.
26. (81) Troy DeCaire, Tampa, Fla.
27. (67) Brad Sweet, Grass Valley, Calif.
28. (61) Terry Babb, Decatur, Ill.
29. (59) Tom Capie, Trevose, Pa.
30. (53) Randy Bateman, Murphysboro, Ill.
31. (46) Eric Gordon, Indianapolis, Ind.
32. (46) Zach Martini, Hazelton, Pa.
33. (41) Kellen Conover, Sumner, Ill.
34. (39) Robert Ballou, Rocklin, Calif.
35. (36) Jeff Mitrisin, Oskaloosa, Iowa
36. (34) Bill Rose, Plainfield, Ind.
37. (32) Mike Martin, Yuma, Ariz.
38. (32) Mike Hess, Petersburg, Ill.
39. (31) Chris Urish, Elkhart, Ill.
40. (30) Jason Leffler, Long Beach, Calif.
41. (27) Aaron Pierce, Muncie, Ind.
42. (25) Murray Erickson, Odessa, Texas
43. (25) Mario Marietta, Indianapolis, Ind.
44. (23) Cameron Dodson, Greenfield, Ind.
45. (23) Brad Kuhn, Avon, Ind.
46. (15) Mike Larrison, Coatesville, Ind.
47. (12) Rex Norris III, Knightstown, Ind.
48. (12) Matt Westfall, Pleasant Hill, Ohio
49. (10) Scott Pierovich, Alamo, Calif.
50. (9) Von McGee, Spring Run, Pa.
51. (9) Ryan Newman, South Bend, Ind.
52. (8) Mike Lichty, Innerkip, Ont.
53. (6) Rob Chaney, Millersburg, Ohio
54. (6) Donnie Beechler, Springfield, Ill.
55. (3) Davey Ray, Davenport, Iowa
56. (3) Tyler Walker, Los Angeles, Calif.
2010 USAC SILVER CROWN ENTRANT POINTS
1. (405) Tony Stewart Racing/Curb-Agajanian, Brownsburg, Ind. (#10)
2. (403) BK Motorsports, Indianapolis, Ind. (#29)
3. (366) Tony Stewart Racing/Curb-Agajanian, Brownsburg, Ind. (#22)
4. (354) RW Motorsports, Lederach, Pa. (#27)
5. (338) RFMS Racing, Galesburg, Ill. (#3)
6. (330) Team Six-R/TK Motorsports, Zionsville, Ind. (#23)
7. (327) Team Six-R, Zionsville, Ind. (#21)
8. (313) Klatt Enterprises, Hastings, Neb. (#6)
9. (299) RW Motorsports, Lederach, Pa. (#17)
10. (253) Carl Edwards/RE Technologies, Memphis, Tenn. (#199)
11. (247) Team Six-R, Zionsville, Ind. (#19)
12. (222) Nolen Racing, Greenwood, Ind. (#20)
13. (201) Carl Edwards/RE Technologies, Memphis, Tenn. (#991)
14. (188) Derek Hagar, Marion, Ark. (#91)
15. (186) Foxco Engineering, Avon, Ind. (#56)
16. (157) Dan Daum, Greenville, Ill. (#50)
17. (152) DePalma Motorsports, Lima, Ohio (#63)
18. (146) Gamester Racing, Peru, Ind. (#51)
19. (132) Lightfoot Racing, Springfield, Mo. (#16)
20. (125) Baldwin Brothers Racing, West Lafayette, Ind. (#5)
21. (124) Indiana Underground Construction (Terry Riggs), Indianapolis, Ind. (#37)
22. (124) Johnny Vance Racing Team, Dayton, Ohio (#25)
23. (118) Wilson Brothers Racing/Team Six-R, Crawfordsville, Ind. (#07)
24. (102) Gulick Motorsports, Binghamton, N.Y. (#14)
25. (89) John Heydenreich, Bloomsburg, Pa. (#90)
26. (85) Sachs-Yermal Motorsports, Mt. Clemens, Mich. (#125)
27. (67) Zarounian Motorsports, Visalia, Calif. (#67)
28. (66) Rodney Weesner, Portland, Ind. (#96)
29. (61) Ken Morford, Carterville, Ill. (#34)
30. (59) Capie Racing, Indianapolis, Ind. (#153)
31. (53) Randy Bateman, Murphysboro, Ill. (#55)
32. (52) SC Racing, Carey, Ohio (#97)
33. (46) Bowman-Canine Racing, Brownsburg, Ind. (#2)
34. (41) Kellen Conover, Sumner, Ill. (#76)
35. (40) Beast Enterprises, Brownsburg, Ind. (#04)
36. (36) Jeff Mitrisin Racing, Oskaloosa, Iowa (#46)
37. (32) Racing Associates, Anthem, Ariz. (#116)
38. (32) Jeff Aquilini Motorsports, Reading, Pa. (#39)
39. (31) Urish Racing, Elkhart, Ill. (#77)
40. (31) Jim Paternoster, Oswego, N.Y. (#41)
41. (27) Sam Pierce, Daleville, Ind. (#26)
42. (25) Guardian Racing, Odessa, Texas (#8)
43. (25) Beach Boys Motorsports, Donnelsville, Ohio (#15)
44. (23) Ricky Nix, Benton, Ill. (#43)
45. (18) Johnny Vance Racing Team, Dayton, Ohio (#52)
46. (12) Rex Norris III, Knightstown, Ind. (#08)
47. (10) Ken Pierson, Elk Grove, Calif. (#28)
48. (9) Chuck Hartenstine, Douglassville, Pa. (#65)
49. (9) Bowman-Canine Racing, Brownsburg, Ind. (#11)
50. (8) Brad Lichty, Innerkip, Ont. (#94)
51. (6) Dennis & Dave McQuinn, Springfield, Ill. (#14)
52. (5) Beast Enterprises, Brownsburg, Ind. (#9)
53. (3) FattFro Motorsports, Hoffman Estates, Ill. (#141)