Families Have Fun at Anderson Speedway

It was the first of what is hoped to be an annual Family Fun Night at Anderson Speedway Saturday evening with hundreds of families thrilled with a night of racing and spectator events, capped with the Stunt Metal/Demented Free Style Motorcyle Stunt Show.

To start the evening, the kids got into action with tricycle, big wheel and bicycle racing. It proved to be a big hit. The Little Tikes raced from flag stand to flag stand, down the main straightaway with Serenity Deeter, Carli Maynard and Elia Sink all big winners. Next came the 5 and 6 year olds racing around the "tri-oval" on the main straightaway. "Big Dog" Rickie Tharp, II led Shaiyla Craig, Jimmy Hankins, Isaiah Johns, and Levi Maynard to the checkered flag.

Up for the final heat were the 7, 8 & 9 year olds. This required extra durability as they took a complete lap around Anderson Speedway. Tyler Deeter showed the rest the quick way around winning by a bicycle length. Following in no particular order were Quentin Hankins, Jacob Tharp, Megan Tharp, Dakota Walker and Braden Zirkle. The "old codgers" (parents, etc) were not to be out done as they challenged one another to a one lap "bike-off". Surviving was Rickie Tharp to take the checker, who following several gasps of air, said "I had a blast and hope we do it again!" All the kid competitors won trophies from Anderson Speedway.

Melissa Southerland captured the Powder Puff Front Wheel Drive event and has issued a challenge for any other powder puff driver to come and defeat her! Bobby Shive finished 2nd.

Thanks Marsh Supermarkets, two bicycles, one big wheel and one race car replica was given away to four lucky kids in the stands. The big winners were Angel Jarvis (bike); Shaiyla Craig (bike); Olivia Davis (big wheel) and Zachary Greenly (car).

The USAC Ford Focus Midgets were on hand for a full program of racing. Craig Haack hacked the competition to capture the 40 lap headliner by 2 seconds defeating Kyle Hamilton, Andy Nock, Julia Landauer and Jordan Pennington. Haack and Hamilton were heat winners.

The "big" mini cups were on hand to thrill the fans and kids with some miniature racing. Courtney Hannah captured the exciting 25 lap feature defeating Charles Colbert in a close battle at the wire over Joseph Gallagher, Tim Phillips and Matthew Lorance.

Capping off the program was the Stunt Metal/Demented Free Style Motorcycle Stunt Show. Wheelies, Stoppies, Burnouts including a "tire burst" and a hands free hand stand thrilled the fans performed by Nick Hudgens, Aaron Ryan and Chris Jones.

Anderson Speedway returns to racing action with Season Champions on Saturday, September 27. Featured divisions include Ed Martin Chevrolet SuperTrucks, ImmediaDent Figure 8’s, Street Stocks, Newco Metals Legends and Quick Auto Front Wheel Drive Pro.

For additional information on Anderson Speedway, visit www.andersonspeedway.com or contact Anderson Speedway at (765) 642-0206.