IRP DuPont 100 Preview

SILVER CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES JULY 29 "DuPONT 100" NEXT FOR SILVER CROWN STARS

The July 29 "DuPont 100" at Indianapolis Raceway Park is the eighth round of the 11-round series and six different winners have emerged from the seven previous races. Tony Stewart (Phoenix and IRP) is the only repeat winner so far. Other winners include Brian Tyler (Orlando), Donnie Beechler (Indianapolis), Dave Steele (Memphis), Tony Elliott (Terre Haute) and John Heydenreich (Fountain, Colo.)

The "DuPont 100" is the opening event in IRP's big Kroger SpeedFest and a 100-mile feature follows practice, qualifying and a 15-lap "qualifying race." Practice begins at 3 p.m., with qualifying at 5 and racing at 8.

Kenny Irwin, Jr. has won the past two "DuPont 100" features and is attempting to structure his schedule to be able to participate although his entry is not yet firm. Irwin's Silver Crown teammate, Dave Steele, could be one of the favorites for victory at IRP. He dominated the June 7 "Delta Thunder" 100-lapper at Memphis, Tenn. and led the July 12 "Rocky Mountain Classic" 100-lapper in Colorado before a late-race incident forced him to the back of the pack.

Jim Keeker holds the 1-lap track qualifying mark of 119.143 mph set in 1995, while Johnny Parsons holds the race record of 97.630 mph, set in 1991. Jack Hewitt, the winningest driver in series history, will seek his 125th career start in the "DuPont 100," which would tie him with George Snider as the leader in terms of all-time starts.

Jason Leffler of Long Beach, Calif., last year's USAC National Midget Champion, currently leads the Silver Crown standings by 16 over Tyler of Parma, Mich., last year's Stoops Freightliner/USAC Sprint Car titlist. Leffler has a second, two fourths and two fifths in seven starts, while Tyler has a second, third and a fifth in addition to his one victory.

Silver Crown Point Standings: 1-Jason Leffler-322; 2-Brian Tyler-306; 3-Ryan Newman-286; 4-Jimmy Sills-263; 5-J.J. Yeley-219; 6-Dave Steele-202; 7-Dave Darland-194; 8-Robby Flock-176; 9-Jack Hewitt-171; 10-Russ Gamester-166.