Josh Poore to Compete in 78th Annual Little 500 with AP Driver Development
Anderson, Indiana (May 18, 2026): One of Anderson Speedway’s most accomplished hometown racers is set to take on the biggest challenge of his career, as Josh Poore will officially compete in the 78th Annual Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by Ed Martin Automotive Group at Anderson Speedway, driving for AP Driver Development with primary sponsorship from Yarberry Companies.
A longtime fixture at Anderson Speedway, Poore enters the prestigious 500-lap event with a résumé few local racers can match. Across his standout weekly racing career, Poore has amassed 52 Street Stock feature victories and captured seven track championships, cementing himself as one of the most successful competitors in Anderson Speedway history.
For Poore, the opportunity to compete in the Little 500 represents the fulfillment of a longtime dream.
“It means a lot since I’ve run about everything you can run there besides this,” Poore said. “It’s the biggest race there, and I’ve always dreamed of running the big races. To finally get this opportunity is something special.”
Poore will compete under AP Driver Development, operated by veteran racer Aaron Pierce. Pierce brings extensive Little 500 experience to the effort, with 19 career starts in the historic event, including two pole positions and recognition as Anderson Speedway’s longtime track record holder.
The combination gives Poore an experienced support system as he transitions from stock car competition to the high-speed challenge of pavement sprint car racing.
Poore’s teammate for the event will be Colton Bettis, who impressed in last year’s Little 500 by qualifying on the front row. Bettis’ recent success highlights the strength of the AP Driver Development program and provides another valuable benchmark for Poore during race week preparation.
Additional support for Poore’s effort comes from Sam Pierce Chevrolet, Zaki Ali, Cooper Tire, Tom Cherry Mufflers, Ways Custom Welding, Beckham Real Estate, and Holbrook Sewer & Excavating.
While Poore has spent years mastering Anderson Speedway in Street Stocks, Modifieds, and even Thundercars earlier in his career, he admits climbing into a sprint car presents an entirely different challenge.
“There really isn’t a whole lot to compare it to,” Poore said. “It’s like strapping onto a rocket and hanging on. They’re super fast. Maybe there are some similarities to a modified, but these things are way faster.”
That challenge is exactly what makes this opportunity so significant. Known for his consistency, patience, and ability to adapt to changing track conditions, Poore has built his reputation as one of Anderson Speedway’s most dependable weekly competitors. Those same qualities could prove critical in the Little 500, where endurance, strategy, and flawless execution often determine success as much as outright speed.
The Little 500 remains one of the most grueling events in pavement racing, demanding 500 laps of focus, discipline, and precision from both driver and crew.
For Anderson fans, Poore’s entry adds another compelling local storyline to the 78th running of the race. After years of dominating weekly competition, one of the speedway’s homegrown stars will now take his shot at the event that defines Anderson Speedway history.
The 78th Annual Little 500 will take place Saturday, May 23, at Anderson Speedway.
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Practice for teams begins on Wednesday, May 20th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. CB Fabricating Pole Day is scheduled for Thursday, May 21st from 11:30am – 3:30pm. Final practice and Bump Day is set for Friday, May 22nd from 11:30am to 3:30pm. Grandstand admission is free for fans Wednesday through Friday and race day tickets are reserved seating only. The event, including practice and qualifying, will also be streamed live on Racing America. For more information on the Little 500, visit us at andersonspeedway.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
