Anderson Little 500 summary

COTTLE GIVES CAR OWNER CONTOS RACING 1ST PAY LESS "LITTLE 500" VICTORY

Shane Cottle of Kokomo, Ind. led the final 123 laps of Saturday night's 60th Pay Less "Little 500" USAC Sprint Car Special Event at the Anderson Speedway, giving local car owner Contos Racing a long-awaited first-ever victory in the classic race.

Cottle started 12th and dodged accidents to face a late-race challenge from Tony Elliott, who finished a strong second ahead of Johnny Rodriguez, Ryan Litt and Russ Gamester. Cottle ended up leading a total of 171 laps in his Contos Racing Beast/Frampton. Rodriguez ended up as the highest finishing "rookie" driver in the race.

The race was interrupted by three red flags and several yellows. Jacob Wilson and Brian Tyler were involved in flips, bringing out the red lag, but the most significant red flag flew early in the race for a multi-car tangle which involved pre-race favorites, Eric Gordon, Tyler, Dave Steele, pole starter Doug Heveron, Jimmy McCune and Mat Neely. Gordon, bidding for a record ninth race victory, was unable to restart.

Race leaders, in addition to Cottle, included Ryan Litt (135), Elliott (131) and Rodriguez (63).

-credit: --USAC--