USAC Silver Crown Series to Make Return to Iowa Speedway

USAC Silver Crown Series to Make Return to Iowa Speedway

Iconic open-wheel franchise set to race June 20, 2015

CONTACT: Dick Jordan, USAC VP, Communications: djordan@usacracing.com or Edward Williams, Iowa Speedway Communications, ewilliams@iowaspeedway.com

NEWTON, Iowa (October 28, 2014) – Iowa Speedway today announced the addition of the United States Auto Club (USAC) Silver Crown Series to its action-packed 2015 schedule. The legends of open wheel racing return to “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet” on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The event will mark the first USAC Silver Crown Series event at Iowa Speedway since the 2012 Casey’s General Stores USAC Challenge race.

“The Silver Crown Series has a long, rich tradition in this region and we’re extremely pleased to have them back in central Iowa,” said Iowa Speedway President Jimmy Small. “We want longtime fans to reconnect with the excitement they experienced seeing former USAC racers such as Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman and Don White from Keokuk, Iowa as they raced in these beautiful machines. At the same time, we want to introduce new fans to this classic form of racing, one we are certain they’ll enjoy.”

When USAC last appeared at the 7/8 mile asphalt paved tri-oval, Bobby East thrilled fans when he took the checkered flag for the third time at Iowa Speedway.

In 2015, the 12-14 degree compound banking in the turns of Iowa Speedway will pose a tremendous challenge for the Silver Crown drivers. The cars will be capable of reaching speeds of 180 miles per hour. Kody Swanson set the Iowa Speedway Silver Crown track record with an average lap speed of 146.212 mph in 2012. The maximum speeds of 180 mph happen generally toward the end of the straightaways. Drivers accelerate all the way down the straight, reaching top speed just before braking to enter the turn. It’s anticipated that all-time USAC speed records will be shattered as the cars take on “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet.”

“Iowa Speedway is one of the premier facilities in motorsports and having it as part of our list of Silver Crown venues is the next step as we continue to elevate the series profile,” said series coordinator Andy Hillenburg. “The past USAC races at Iowa Speedway are a big part of USAC’s history in the Hawkeye State and the races there have always been competitive and memorable. We look forward to the anticipated speed records and great racing we plan to offer the Iowa race fans in 2015.”

Hillenburg was named series coordinator for USAC last December. He remains a team owner in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. As a USAC Silver Crown Series driver in the late 1980s, he amassed more than 20 top-10 finishes. He also made several starts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series.

The Silver Crown Series will cap a spectacular weekend of racing at Iowa Speedway that includes the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on Friday, June 19, 2015. The 2014 American Ethanol 200 presented by Enogen saw rising NASCAR star Erik Jones pick up his first victory of the season, out racing championship contenders Ryan Blaney and Matt Crafton.

Once the 2015 Iowa Speedway schedule is completed; more details, including on-sale dates and season ticket holder renewal information, will be announced. Iowa Speedway will continue to focus on enhancing the fan experience, and will build upon successful improvements made in 2014.

About USAC

Described as the world’s most competitive major racing series by Auto Racing Analysis, the USAC Silver Crown™ Championship continues to thrill fans nationwide. To compete in USAC’s premier series is the pinnacle for many American open-wheel competitors and to win the championship is a prestigious milestone in any driver’s career. Previous champions include Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, J.J. Yeley, Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt and Al Unser Sr.

About Iowa Speedway

Iowa Speedway, “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet,” is a state-of-the-art 7/8 mile asphalt paved tri-oval race track and motorsports facility located in Newton, Iowa. For the latest event details and information stay connected on Twitter and Facebook or by visiting www.IowaSpeedway.com.

USAC Silver Crown Pavement Chassis Facts

The cost of a new Silver Crown™ racecar can run as much as $75,000 for a car to compete on the pavement and dirt ovals.

WEIGHT: 1625 pounds minimum, with driver

CHASSIS: Tubular 4130 aircraft steel; minimum 1 1/2 inch O.D. and .095 wall thickness

HORSEPOWER: 750 to 800

ENGINE: Normally aspirated, production based V-8 engine with 355 cubic inch displacement maximum

FUEL: Methanol or Ignite Ethanol

CAPACITIES: Fuel, 65 gallons average

Oil, 11 quarts average

SPEED: Over 180 mph straightaway speeds

WHEELBASE: 96 inches minimum

OVERALL WIDTH: 80 inches maximum

OVERALL LENGTH: 15 feet maximum

OVERALL HEIGHT: 56 inches average to top of roll cage

SUSPENSION: Solid front and rear axles with torsion bar or coil spring suspension

WHEELS: Aluminum, 15 inches in diameter. Rears – 15-18 inches wide. Front wheels – 10 inches wide.

TIRES: Bias-ply racing tires

BRAKES: Disc

DRIVELINE: Direct drive with clutch. Quick-change gears are behind the rear end assembly