TERRE HAUTE — Tim Shaffer will be looking to repeat as winner when the O’Reilly All-Star Circuit of Champions winged sprint car series takes over the Action Track today.
The All-Star contingent is making it’s second consecutive Independence Day appearance here, this year in the Indiana Union Construction Industry Classic presented by Misco.
Shaffer, the current 2009 driver points leader, was hooked up last year. Starting from the pole position, he proceeded to lap over half the 22-car feature field and took the checkered flag a full straightaway in front of second-place finisher Danny Smith.
“I had a great time at Terre Haute last year,” Shaffer said. “I want another trophy from that place.”
Shaffer, 42, heads into this weekend’s race schedule leading the All-Star driver standings with 4,101 points — prior to Friday’s series event in Chilicothe, Ohio.
Dale Blaney (3,840 points), Greg Wilson (3,710) and Stevie Smith (3,257) are in hot pursuit at the halfway point of the 2009 season. Blaney is the 2008 points champion, while Wilson was points champion in both 2006 and 2007.
Shaffer has four wins this season, winning the most recent race at Fremont, Ohio on June 27 to conclude Ohio, Speedweek. Smith has five victories this season.
The rookie points leader for the series is Ryan Bunton (fifth overall with 3,050 points). Second in rookie points is Daron Clayton (seventh overall with 2,934 points), a former winner of the Tony Hulman Classic at the Action Track.
Today’s race will be the only appearance by the ultra-fast winged cars in Terre Haute this season, and one of only two appearances (Lawrenceburg on Sept. 11-12) in the state of Indiana this year.
Adult infield tickets start at $10, with an infield family pass available for two adults and four kids (12-and-under) for $25. Bleacher seats are $15, general admission grandstand seats are $20, reserved seat tickets at $25. Reserved tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (812) 236-7951.
Action Track sponsors are also making free ticket coupons available for kids 12-and-under for grandstand and bleacher seats. Coupons are available online at www.mywabashvalley.com, or by presenting your Kroger Plus card at the ticket office with your purchase of an adult ticket.
Popular acoustic duo LaDune and Ready will perform live during the HI-99 Sundown Concert starting at 8:30 p.m., as track and series officials wait for the sun to set below the horizon in turn three.
The Action Track ticket office will open today at 3 p.m., fans gates open at 4, with hot laps getting underway at 6.
O’Reilly All-Star Circuit of Champions
2009 Drivers Points
Driver Points
Tim Shaffer 4,101
Dave Blaney 3,840
Greg Wilson 3,710
Stevie Smith 3,257
Ryan Bunton 3,050
Ryan Myers 2,936
Daron Clayton 2,934
Daryn Pittman 2,854
David Gravel 2,834
Brandon Wimmer 2,564
Auto Racing
All-Stars highlight Action Track card
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