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SWANSON THRILLS AT ORP IN TOYOTA-POWERED CHARGE; TOYOTA DEBUT AT HOOSIER HUNDRED RAINED OUTToyota's growing presence with the series was evident, as eight Toyota-powered machines were among an impressive field of 53 total entries. The "Night Before" is one of the most prestigious and historic events in the sport, with roots dating back to 1946. The race continues its long tradition as a warm-up to the Indianapolis 500, held some 10 miles away the following afternoon.
Swanson posted the fastest qualifying lap during time trials, and won his 10-lap qualifying heat race. After starting on the pole for the 50-lap main event, he held second position through much of the early going, until his right front tire began to go flat during the middle stages.
He ducked into the pits on Lap 37, which allowed his Nine Racing crew to make a quick change, dropping him to 18th. Swanson then thrilled the huge crowd with a scintillating drive over the remaining 13 laps, stealing the show as he sliced through the talented field to finish fourth.
"We had a great night going until we cut the tire," said Swanson, who now rides third in the USAC National standings. "After we came in to make the tire change, we didn't have many laps left, but we were able to pass a lot of very good cars. It was frustrating how it happened, but to overcome the adversity and still finish fourth, that wasn't bad. Hopefully we can capitalize on some good breaks and win another race very soon."
Nine Racing fielded a total of three entries, including Swanson, Dave Darland, and Chuck Gurney Jr. Darland finished 11th in the main event, while Gurney saw his night end early with a broken rear axle. California-based Western Speed Enterprises fielded four entries, with Bobby Santos III leading the team to finish fifth in the main event. Kevin Swindell was aboard a Toyota-powered entry fielded by Cruz Pedregon Motorsports.
Nine Racing utilizes 166-ci in-line four-cylinder engines prepared by Ed Pink Racing Engines, while Western Speed and Pedregon Motorsports employs a similar powerplant prepared by TRD.
Toyota was set to make its Midwestern debut with the prestigious USAC Silver Crown Series in the 56th annual "Hoosier Hundred" at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, but the event fell victim to persistent rains on Friday evening. A rescheduled date will be announced in coming weeks.
63RD TOYOTA CHALLENGE "NIGHT BEFORE THE 500"
Finish, 50-lap feature event
Pos Driver Entrant
4 Kody Swanson, Kingsburg, CA Nine Racing No. 91
5 Bobby Santos III, Franklin, MA Western Speed No. 45
9 Billy Wease, Noblesville, IN Western Speed No. 80
11 Dave Darland, Lincoln, IN Nine Racing No. 9
Unable to qualify:
Driver Entrant
Kevin Swindell, Bartlett, TN Pedregon Motorsports No. 75
Chuck Gurney, Jr. Livermore, CA Nine Racing No. 91x
Nic Faas, Huntington Beach, CA Western Speed No. 40
Paul Zimmerly, Ridgefield, WA Western Speed No. 60
USAC National Midget Car Point Standings
Pos Driver Team Points behind leader
3 Kody Swanson, Kingsburg, CA Nine Racing No. 91 (-19)
5 Dave Darland, Lincoln, IN Nine Racing No. 9 (-108)
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