BATEMAN-SHUMAN COMBINATION PREPARING FOR BETTENHAUSEN RETURN

By Jay Hardin - Track Enterprises Staff

Springfield, Illinois (October 13, 2020)………Fans of the USAC Silver Crown Series know the names Bateman and Shuman very well.  Ron Shuman and Randy Bateman were long-time competitors in the big car series and raced against each other numerous times.  While both came from different parts of the country both shared a love for the championship dirt cars that has been passed on to family and friends. 

Randy passed away in 2017, a victim of ALS while Ron retired a number of years ago.  Randy’s wife Patty and brother Mark continue the Bateman Racing legacy while Ron Shuman’s son Casey became the driver of the familiar Bateman number 55.  Bateman and Shuman team up again in the rescheduled Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear this Sunday, October 18, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

Randy Bateman made his series debut in 1983 and had 60 starts in 27 years as a Silver Crown competitor, mostly on the mile dirt tracks.  Randy made his first start at Springfield in 1984 and made the Bettenhausen 100 12 times over the next 30 seasons.

Ron Shuman made his series debut in the late 1970’s and managed to capture the prestigious Hoosier Hundred in 1992.  The “Flying Shoe” qualified 3rd in his 1977 Bettenhausen debut and ran 9 times at Springfield with a 2nd place run in 1983.  Shuman retired to become the series chief of the California Racing Association, while Bateman continued racing until the effects of ALS forced his retirement after the 2014 campaign.

Casey Shuman made his mile track debut in a second car as a teammate to Shane Cockrum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in 2013.  He ran near the front until the engine gave way on lap 72.  When the Hardy team decided to become a one car team later in the year Shuman was out of a ride, but continued to run sprint cars and midgets.

Patty and Mark Bateman continued the team while Randy battled the effects of ALS.  Veteran Brian Tyler took the wheel of the number 55 at the last minute for the 2015 Hoosier Hundred and went from 27th to 3rd at the end of 100 miles.  Later that year Bateman racing needed a driver and landed on Casey Shuman who picked up a 7th at Springfield and a 5th at Du Quoin.

It turned out to be a good choice for both parties.  Shuman won Rookie of the Year in the Silver Crown division with 4 top ten finished in 9 starts including a 4th at Du Quoin.  Shuman and Bateman ran limited schedules in 2017 and 2018.  Shuman’s career went in a slightly different direction in 2019 as he took over as series director of the World of Outlaws late model tour.  Bateman Racing acquired a new car for 2019 which made its debut at Du Quoin with Jerry Coons, Jr. behind the wheel.

As COVID-19 played havoc with USAC racing schedules this year Bateman Racing planned on taking off the year, however when the reschedule of the Bettenhausen 100 was announced for October 18, Patty and the crew began getting the white, trimmed in red and gold-leaf lettered car ready.  She announced Casey Shuman would once again be behind the wheel and feels team and driver have a strong shot at their first victory.

On Sunday, grandstand ticket sales will be limited to 20% capacity in order to promote a safe atmosphere and allow for proper social distancing. In addition, face coverings will be required, temperatures will be checked upon arrival, and multiple handwashing and sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the venue.

The Sunday, October 18 Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear will feature the USAC Silver Crown Series in the 57th edition of the event. Grandstand capacity is set at 20% and tickets are available online at www.trackenterprises.com or by calling the Track Enterprises office at 217-764-3200. The advance sale tickets will also save fans a couple of bucks compared to purchasing them at the event.

Pit gates will open at 8am Central, grandstands and ticket office at 11am, practice at Noon, qualifying at 1:15pm, the last chance race at 2:15pm and the 57th running of the Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear will take the green at 3pm.  All times listed are central.

For more information or to order tickets, visit www.trackenterprises.com or call 217-764-3200.

The Bettenhausen 100 can also be watched LIVE on FloRacing at https://bit.ly/3frPoW6.