Who Will Win the National Crown?
Anderson, Indiana – One of Anderson Speedway’s most storied traditions returns Saturday night as the 77th running of the Pay Less Supermarkets National Crown, the longest continuous stock car race in America.
The marquee event for the Knapp Supply Ford Division will feature 50 laps of Figure 8 action, with only 24 drivers earning a spot in the starting field.
The National Crown has produced generations of champions since Herschel White captured the inaugural race in 1950. Over the past 76 years, many of Anderson Speedway’s greatest competitors have etched their names into the history books by claiming the prestigious victory.
Defending race winner Curtis Chapman enters the weekend seeking his fourth National Crown triumph. A victory would move Chapman within one of the all-time record held by Gene Huston, who captured five National Crown victories during his legendary career.
Chapman’s 2025 victory tied him with Bob Fields and Rod Phipps for third on the all-time wins list with three. Rickie Tharp claimed the National Crown in 2024 and is expected to be among the contenders once again.
Competition to make the feature will be fierce. The fastest 20 drivers in qualifying will lock into the National Crown, while the remaining competitors will battle for the final four starting positions in a last chance qualifier.
The evening’s racing program also features a strong supporting card.
The touring Sportsman Late Models return for a 75-lap feature, bringing together several of the division’s top competitors. Casten Everidge, Ryder VanAlst, Terry Fisher Jr. and JP Crabtree have all visited Victory Lane this season in Vern’s Concrete Late Model competition and will be among the favorites.
The Vore’s Welding & Steel Street Stocks make their first appearance since the 200-lap Redbud 400. Josh Poore and Andrew Teepe have each earned feature victories in 2026, with Poore carrying a 17-point advantage over Teepe in the championship standings. Andrew Cook sits third, just three points behind Teepe.
The Beaver Contracting Legends will also be in action. Dalton Conner and Xavier King each own two feature wins this season, while King holds a slim seven-point lead over defending champion John Robbins in the standings.
Qualifying begins at 5:45 p.m., with racing set for 7:30 p.m.
Adult admission is $18, children ages 6-12 are $5, and kids 5 and under are admitted free. Fans can also purchase a pit pass for $36. Saturday’s event promises another memorable chapter in one of Anderson Speedway’s richest traditions as the next National Crown champion is crowned.
