USAC Silver Crown Series to Race at Darlington

USAC will return to race at Darlington Raceway following a 51-year absence, track and series officials announced today, with the Silver Crown Series presented by K&N Engineering to take to the track for the first time ever later this season.

The decision was made following a successful two-day test session held last week at the track “Too Tough To Tame." The 50-lap race, which will encompass all laps being run under the green flag, will be run under the lights on Thursday evening, May 10. Caution laps are not included in the 50-lap total.

USAC cars last competed at Darlington Raceway in 1956, when Pat O’Connor piloted his Sumar Special to victory on the Fourth of July.

Described as the world’s most competitive major racing series by Auto Racing Analysis, the Silver Crown Series celebrates its 37th season in 2007. The 1,800-pound cars are powered by 750-800 horsepower engines fueled by methanol, and are capable of achieving straightaway speeds in excess of 190 mph on paved ovals longer than one mile.

The list of previous Silver Crown champions includes some of the most famous names in racing, including Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman, Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Tony Stewart, Ken Schrader, Dave Blaney and Jason Leffler.

The addition of Darlington Raceway expands the series’ schedule to 15 races in 2007.