USAC Midget/Sprint Car

The Hut Hundred is one of the most important and enduring events in all of midget car racing, held at the historic half-mile dirt oval at the Vigo County Fairgrounds in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Indianapolis-based Nine Racing fielded a two-car effort under the Toyota banner, with California drivers Darren Hagen and Kody Swanson behind the wheel. Nine Racing uses 166-ci naturally-aspirated in-line four-cylinder Toyota engines prepared by Ed Pink Racing Engines.

Hagen qualified third during time-trials, while Swanson was 21st. Hagen ran among the lead pack all evening, eventually finishing seventh. Swanson improved steadily throughout the 100-lap race, coming home tenth at the finish.

"We had a decent run going, especially there toward the finish," said Swanson. "We ran well in the early practice, but for some reason we struggled in qualifying. I started fairly deep in the pack with the idea of getting 100 laps in, and getting some experience at this track.

"We passed quite a few cars throughout the night, and our car kept getting better in the later stages of the race. We were running with some very good cars, and holding our own.

"The track got to be pretty rough, but that was equal for everybody. Coming away with a pair of top-10 finishes wasn't a bad finish for our team."

The two drivers will have little time to rest, as the series gets back underway this Thursday (Oct. 9) for the three-day "Gold Crown Midget Nationals," a new event on the USAC National Midget Car schedule. The event takes place at the Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Ill.

USAC NATIONAL MIDGET CAR SERIES POINT STANDINGS
7. Darren Hagen, Riverside, Calif., No. 9 Nine Racing (-238)
11. Kody Swanson, Kingsburg, Calif., No. 19 Nine Racing (-479)