Tharp’s looking to three-peat
Over the course of the 75-year history of the National Crown there have been several families that have claimed the victory.
But in the long history of the race at Anderson Speedway only one father and son duo have hoisted the winner’s hardware in the National Crown in back-to-back years.
Rickie Tharp won the National Crown in 2022, escaping a near miss in the cross-over, and last year it was Rickie Tharp II that pulled into the winner’s circle.
They joined Josh Tharp as a winner of the National Crown, a race won by Josh in 2011.
“It was really cool,” Rickie Tharp said of the family winning the National Crown two consecutive years.
“I really wanted to win to check it off for my dad who never got to win the race,” he said.
Tharp said he has been racing at Anderson Speedway for 25 years filling in for his father the first time in a Figure-8 car.
“I finished second,” he said. “I was hooked on Figure-8 racing. We grew up with it.”
Tharp said he will be driving the car his son drove to victory land and Tharp II will be in a new car.
“You need to keep your nose clean,” he said of winning the National Crown. “You have to go on your instincts. If you check up, you’re in a mess.”
The 75th Annual Pay Less National Crown is this Saturday, August 3rd at 7:30pm. The FORD Divisions will once again compete in the prestigious 50 lap Figure 8 event. Marcum’s Welding Front Wheel Drives and Modifieds will also be in action.
Tickets for the event at $15 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12, and free for kids 5 and under. Gates will open for the 75th Annual Pay Less National Crown at 4:30pm. Practice will also begin at 4:30pm and will be followed by qualifications at 6:00pm. Racing is set to start at 7:30pm.
