7/30/2025
Bloomington Speedway
1999 Defending USAC Champ Honors Sheldon
Did you see that finish last night!
That's what we have to look forward to this Friday Night. Indiana Sprint Week and the Sheldon Kinser Memorial are on tap,
Flashback
August 27, 1999. Defending USAC Champ Tony Elliott Shows the Way
Thirty-five cars signed in at the Red Clay and after time trials it was 1997 track champion Brad Fox atop the charts with a time of 11.724. Heat race winners were Eric Gordon, Rusty McClure, Greg Dillion, and Jon Stanbrough. Kevin Briscoe took the semi.
The 40 lap feature was all Elliott was was out front in Jeff Walker's car for all but two laps. With $1,800 extra in lap money from the Rich Vogler Scholarship Fund and a bonus from Hoosier Tire, Tony's winnings were close to $5,000.
It was a great payday, but as he related to Mike O'Leary there was much more to this win,. "I raced with Sheldon quite a bit when I was younger. He was a big influence on me, and he helped me quite a bit. He did a lot for me. It is nice to come here and win this Sheldon Kinser Memorial on his home track." How stout was the field? Future USAC champions Tracy Hines and Dave Darland rounded out the podium.
Adam Sasser was the best in the modified ranks on this night and Lee Hobbs ruled the street stocks.
We honor Sheldon on Friday night, and as we work to restore the glory of the red clay there is one way you can help -- it is time to Fill the Hill!
Photos --including Elliott, Jeff Walker and Joe Conroy celebrating Tony's 1998 title by John Mahoney.
Article Credit: Patrick Sullivan
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