Eldora Speedway, Rossburg, OH — July 20, 2019
When a race promoter puts up $175,000 dollars to the winner of a 40-Lap Feature event, it is sure to get the attention of a lot of people. Driver’s, who normally earn $20K for a sprint car winner’s share, are not going to miss a shot at such a huge payday.
Fans, eager to see their favorites battle it out for such a prestigious win will flock to the track to cheer them to victory. That promoter, Tony Stewart, will show up to sign the check.
The Fans
World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars events draw an avid fan base. Maybe it’s the $2 beers?
Or the $60,000 prize in the Charity 50/50 drawing?
It could be the great views from the grandstands?
Then again Mom and Dad said you had to come.
Fans of all ages showed up to enjoy the fun of the King’s Royal, showing their support and enjoying the show.
On Track Action
Hot laps and Qualifying got the fans warmed up for a full night of racing action. Sye Lynch(92) set the fastest speed of the evening, followed by Logan Schuchart(1S).
The top six qualifiers ran in “The Joust” where their finishing order gave them their choice of which of the six heat races they would run in, starting 6th in whatever heat they chose. Daryn Pittman(83) won the race and selected Heat #1. Friday nights the “Knight Before” winner, Donny Shatz(15) finished second and chose Heat #5.
Shatz was the only “Joust” participant to win his heat, taking only three laps to move from sixth to first and motoring away to the checkered flag. In Heat #1, Thursday nights feature winner, Brad Sweet, started third and led the pack at the end of Lap 1. Shatz stormed to victory in what looked to be the car to beat for the evening.
When all the results were in and positions finalized, Sammy Swindell(39) won his heat and sat on the pole for the 36th Annual King’s Royal. Much to the delight of the packed house in attendance.
During pre-race introductions, Sammy walked up on the Victory Lane stage and acknowledged the loud cheers from the crowd. Sammy, a three-time winner of the event(2012, 1999, & 1992), turned around, climbed the stairs and took a seat on the King’s Throne. Bringing more roars from the crowd.
The King’s Royal
Sammy Swindell was hard on the accelerator at the drop of the green flag and led the first 10 laps of the 40-lap feature. Sammy was passed by Logan Schuchart who built a sizeable lead on the field. Schuchart worked his way to the from the 12th starting position.
With 24 laps to go, Sweet had moved into the second position, but it looked like there was no way he could run down Schuchart while working through lapped traffic. With 15 laps to go Tom Harris(84) spun, bringing out the caution flag.
Schuchart knew he was in for a battle with Sweet for the $175K prize.
Sweet was hungrier, on the restart he flew into Turn 1 and ran away with the lead and ultimately the winner’s share.
After the race, Schuchart seemed resigned to his fate. “I thought if I could get the lead on the restart that he would have a hard time passing me. Unfortunately, it did not work out that way. That’s racing.”
While Schuchart pondered what might have been, you could not wipe the smile off Brad Sweet’s face.
A crown and robe for his achievement, then most importantly a big check to take to the bank on Monday.
What a great event, my first visit to Eldora Speedway. Can’t wait to come back next year.
Photo Credits: Tony Skerjance, The Lasco Press
