Aaron Pierce will once again be in search of his first Little 500 win in 2019. He joins the entry list that already includes two former winners (Kody Swanson and Brian Tyler). The 2018 Little 500 once again showed Pierce’s potential but in the end mechanical problems forced him to retire from the race.  

Pierce, of Yorktown, Indiana, will attempt to make his 17th consecutive appearance in the Pay Less Little 500 presented by UAW Region 2B. He has earned the pole position for this prestigious event twice (2006 and 2011). In 2011, Pierce set the single lap and 4-lap records during qualifying. Single Lap record is 10.944 and the 4-lap record is 44.030.  Pierce’s best finish has been two runner-up finishes, in 2004 and 2007, both to Eric Gordon.

Front Row on starting grid for the 2018 Little 500 – Bill Miller Photo

In the 2018 Little 500, fans saw another strong performance from Pierce before mechanical issues sidelined him once again. Pierce was able to qualify in the 2nd position, just one tenth off of Davey Hamilton Jr. This was Pierce’s 5th front row start in the Little 500. At the drop of the green flag, Aaron Pierce fell in line behind Hamilton Jr. After just 27 laps, Pierce was able to get below Hamilton Jr. going into turn 1. He was able to lead until his first pitstop. Shortly after the first pitstop, Pierce came back in and retired with overheating issues. He finished in the 16th position completing 377 laps.

Joey Schmidt (Left) and Aaron Pierce (Right) debriefing after the Tony Elliott Classic

The 2019 Little 500 will see Pierce return with his father, Sam Pierce as the car owner. Sam Pierce Chevrolet in Daleville, Indiana will adorn the side of the card with additional support from Tom Cherry Muffler and Valvoline. Pierce will also run a second pavement sprint car and USAC silver crown car in 2019. Young Mississippi driver Joey Schmidt will be behind the wheel both cars. Schmidt ran the season ending Tony Elliott Classic at Anderson Speedway.

To pre-order 71st Annual Pay Less Little 500 presented by UAW Region 2B tickets, visit the main ticket office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. or call 765-642-0206 ext. 21. Pay Less Little 500 presented by UAW Region 2B is scheduled for May 25th. If you are a renewal ticket holder you have until Friday, March 1st to purchase your tickets. If you are a first-time ticket holder call and order your tickets today.  For more information visit https://www.andersonspeedway.com

Entry List for the 71st Pay Less Little 500 presented by UAW Region 2B

4 Kody Swanson Kingsburg, Calif. Nolen Racing

20 Shane Hollingsworth Lafayette, Ind. Nolen Racing

22 Bobby Santos Franklin, Mass. DJ Racing

26 Aaron Pierce Yorktown, Ind. Sam Pierce

44 Brian Tyler Parma, Mich. Brian Tyler

99 Baden Stewart Salem, Ind. Jamie Stewart

6 Entries as of 2/21/19

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