USAC will return to race at Darlington Raceway following a 51-year absence, track and series officials announced today, with the Silver Crown Series presented by K&N Engineering to take to the track for the first time ever later this season.
The decision was made following a successful two-day test session held last week at the track “Too Tough To Tame. †The 50-lap race, which will encompass all laps being run under the green flag, will be run under the lights on Thursday evening, May 10. Caution laps are not included in the 50-lap total.
USAC cars last competed at Darlington Raceway in 1956, when Pat O’Connor piloted his Sumar Special to victory on the Fourth of July.
Described as the world’s most competitive major racing series by Auto Racing Analysis, the Silver Crown Series celebrates its 37th season in 2007. The 1,800-pound cars are powered by 750-800 horsepower engines fueled by methanol, and are capable of achieving straightaway speeds in excess of 190 mph on paved ovals longer than one mile.
The list of previous Silver Crown champions includes some of the most famous names in racing, including Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman, Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Tony Stewart, Ken Schrader, Dave Blaney and Jason Leffler.
The addition of Darlington Raceway expands the series’ schedule to 15 races in 2007.
“We couldn’t be happier to have the USAC Silver Crown Series add Darlington Raceway to its schedule, †said Raceway president Chris Browning. “Each of us gains something unique as part of the deal. USAC has the opportunity to showcase their sport to a new audience in an entirely new venue, and Darlington has an exciting component to add to our race weekend, enhancing the experience for our fans. These cars are very competitive and a lot of fun to watch, and we expect them to put on a great show at our track. â€
To introduce fans to this exciting new event at Darlington Raceway, the track is offering a very affordable ticket price. Admission for the entire day, which includes USAC Silver Crown Series practice and qualifying and NASCAR Busch Series practice in the afternoon, followed by the 50-lap Silver Crown race under the lights that evening, is only $10. Kids ages 12 and under will be admitted free with a paid adult admission.
The 2007 Dodge Avenger 500 weekend will include practice and qualifying for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Busch Series on Friday, May 11, followed by the Diamond Hill Plywood 200 NASCAR Busch Series race under the lights that evening. Denny Hamlin is the defending champion.
On Saturday, May 12, Darlington will host Cup Series racing for the 58th consecutive season as Greg Biffle attempts to join the short list of drivers to win three events in a row at NASCAR’s most historic venue. The 2007 Dodge Avenger 500 will be run under the lights in its entirety.
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