Anderson Speedway Kicks off 2005 Racing Season On Saturday Night

By Kyle Larson
Public Relations

Anderson Speedway begins the 2005 racing season on Saturday, April 2, with an exciting season-opening lineup of Ed Martin Auto Group Super Trucks, Terry's RV Sales & Service Street Stocks, Boss Hogg Catering & Jerky Figure 8's and Insight ThunderCars on the Oval.

Defending Ed Martin Auto Group Super Truck champion Josh Burton returns to the premier division in 2005 with goals of challenging for the division championship. He will continue to drive for Tim Bennett, who he teamed up with last year to earn the Super Truck Championship.

After placing a career-best second in last year's standings, Mike Mendenhall hopes to battle for the title. Other contenders from 2004 expected to compete include DT'S R Bar Rookie of the Year Ronnie Rose, Jamie Hadley, Tony Broyles, Jake Owens, Scott Brooks and Brian Hopkins.

The Rookie class looks strong with Street Stock Rookie of the Year Jason Atkinson and Steve Blair, who won both of the C.A.R.S. Stock Car events held at Anderson in 2004 entering the Rookie Class. Other first-year Super Truck drivers will be ThunderCar Oval driving champion Josh Poore, Frank Wolf, Ric Pfeifer, Joe Clements, Donald Johnson, Ed Lynn and Mark Jones.

Competition in the Terry's RV Sales & Service Street Stock division appears to be on the rise for 2005. Last season, Rich Boyer recorded a division best eight feature victories along with six fast times and 13 top-five finishes. Other solid performances were turned in by Rod Phipps and Dennis Moser, who finished fourth and fifth in last year's final points tally.

In 2005, Veterans Darwin Blankenship and Danny Acrey ll hope to challenge for the division crown. Other drivers to watch include Curtis Chapman and Bruce McFall.

The Boss Hogg Catering & Jerky Figure 8 championship looks to be wide open. Last season, Jeff Swinford collected his initial divisional title. Other strong performances from last season were turned in by Dale Phillips, Shawn Cullen, Curtis Chapman, Josh Tharp, Ronnie Phipps, and Rod Phipps.

The Insight ThunderCar Oval division also kicks off its 2005 season and is set for one of the most balanced seasons in its history. Third-ranking in the driver standings, Tim Brown returns along with William Coffman, Rick Trueblood, Dustin Tomlinson, A.J. Jones, Alice Riall and a host of other competitors in the action-packed stock car class.

On Saturday, spectator gates open at 5 p.m. with qualifying set for 6:30. The racing program begins at 8. Adult tickets are $10 with children ages 6-12 priced at $4. Kids five and under are admitted free.

For additional information contact Anderson Speedway at (765) 642-0206.