Indy O'Reilly Raceway Park event summary

HINES AND SWANSON WIN OPENING EVENTS DURING KROGER SPEEDFEST

INDIANAPOLIS (July 22, 2010) The heat wasn't the only thing that made the racing action hot during the J. D. Byrider Racing Classic, the opening night of the 2010 Kroger SpeedFest . Fans of open wheel racing were treated to two thrilling features that saw two of the sport's top drivers take home wins.

In the 100-lap Silver Crown feature the early stages of the race saw Brownsburg resident Bobby East working his way through the field after qualifying 10th for the feature. After patiently working traffic, East was able to chase down Brad Sweet who started the race on the pole position. On lap 35 East was able to get around Sweet and took the top spot and begin putting distance between the remainder of the field.

East couldn't hold the lead for long as O'Reilly Raceway Park veteran Tracy Hines was able to pull up behind him following a brief caution. Once Hines was up behind East he was able to pass East on the high side of the track. Hines was able to make the pass stick and overcame a bevy of late cautions to get his first Silver Crown win at O'Reilly Raceway Park.

"My wife yells at me all the time because I'm not a very good restarter. I wouldn't say I'm not a good restarter, but I'm not one of these guys that get on a guys bumper because I figure there is enough time to get it done," and Hines following the race. "This is such a special place because it changes, every minute, every lap, every day every lap this place changes and when you get a good setup and something that works it is very gratifying."

The first feature of the night was the 30-lap Midget race that had 24 cars taking the green flag at the start of the race. The race was slowed at the start of the event for a quick caution early in the feature and once the restart came it was all Kody Swanson for the remainder of the event. With the win Swanson gives his Wilkie-Pak Motorsports team their 134-win in USAC and makes them the winningest USAC team in history.

"I actually contributed to Steve Lewis and his 132 win and to be one of the drivers that won for both teams with such rich history with USAC and to be able to bring wins for both of them and break the tie is very special" said Swanson.

The second night of Kroger SpeedFest will feature the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in the running of the AAA Insurance 200 presented by J. D. Bryrider. Gates open at 11 a. m. the same time the first practice is scheduled. The race is set to start at 8 p.m.

-source: orp