American Dirt

11/01/2025

Using A.I to show you the future

11/01/2025

Using A.I to show you the future.

11/01/2025

😮 using A.I. to show you the future

10/27/2025

For nearly half a century, one number had stood as a monument in the annals of USAC Sprint Car racing: 369. It was a figure that felt less like a statistic and more like a myth—a ghost from a bygone era of racing royalty.

In 1976, the legendary Pancho Carter hadn't just won the USAC National Sprint Car championship; he had dominated it, setting a record point margin so vast that it seemed untouchable, a high-water mark from a different time. For 49 years, drivers came and went. Champions were crowned, dynasties rose and fell, but no one—not the hard-chargers of the 80s, the superstars of the 90s, or the technical wizards of the new millennium—could even get close. Carter's 369-point gap was the mountaintop.

Then came the 2025 season...

The USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car season is not a gentle affair. It's a brutal, cross-country grind of grit, horsepower, and heartbreak. It’s a relentless tour of bullrings and speedways, where the smell of methanol and burnt rubber hangs thick in the humid summer air. To win the championship, you need speed. To even survive it, you need consistency.

From the very first green flag of the season, Cummins and his team weren't just fast; they were relentless. While other contenders flashed brilliance on one night only to fall victim to a bad setup or a tangle on the backstretch the next, Cummins was a machine.

Night after night, the story repeated itself: a strong qualifying effort, a savvy heat race, and a relentless charge in the A-Main. When he had a winning car, he was untouchable, disappearing over the cushion and leaving the field to fight for second. But more importantly, when he didn't have a winning car, he was a tactician. He salvaged fourth-place finishes from eighth-place cars. He turned potential DNFs into tenth-place point nights. He understood the brutal arithmetic of a championship: every single point mattered.

As spring turned to summer, the points lead began to stretch. What started as a slim margin became a comfortable gap, and then an imposing chasm. The whispers started in the pit area, over the tinny speakers of the track announcers, and in the forums online. The conversation shifted from IF Cummins would win the title to BY how much?

The ghost of 1976 began to stir.

The pressure mounted. Racing for a championship is one thing; racing against history is another. Every night was a new test. A slick track in Pennsylvania, a heavy cushion in Indiana, a dusty bowl in the Midwest—each one a potential pitfall, a place where the dream could unravel. Even as the headline "Cummins Falls Short in Western World" briefly flashed across the racing world, it was a minor blip. He didn't win every battle, but he was decisively winning the war. His bad nights were better than most drivers' good nights.

The final races of the season became a coronation lap, but one fraught with tension.

The championship itself was all but secured, but the record was still on the line. The team checked and re-checked every bolt. Cummins drove with a fierce, calculated precision. There would be no unforced errors, no casual mistakes. History was too close.

When the final checkered flag fell on the season, the celebration began. The championship was official. But then, a hush seemed to fall as officials did their final tally. The numbers clicked over.

It wasn't 369.
It wasn't 370.
It wasn't even 380.

The final, official margin was 386 points.

The scene captured in the photograph tells the story beyond the numbers. The "2025 CHAMPIONS" decal on the side of the mud-splattered car, gleaming under the bright track lights. Cummins, his face a mask of elation and exhaustion, still in his grimy, sweat-soaked firesuit. And the pop of the bottle, spraying a symbol of victory not just over his modern-day rivals, but over a legend.

That spray wasn't just champagne. It was the washing away of a 49-year-old record. The roar from his team and the crowd wasn't just for a title; it was for an all-time, generational display of dominance. Pancho Carter's monumental record hadn't just been broken; it had been surpassed.
A new mark was set. A new ghost was created for future generations to chase. And the number was 386.

Photo credit: Rich Forman Photos

10/04/2025

LEGENDS OF DIRT: The Red Clay Conqueror – Dick Gaines (1932–2000)

Richard "Dick" Gaines is not just listed in the annals of sprint car racing; he defines the gritty, high-stakes essence of short-track competition. Known universally as "The Red Clay Conqueror" and a "Red Clay Legend," Gaines carved out an extraordinary three-decade career that set him apart through sheer volume of wins and a mastery over disparate racing surfaces rarely duplicated. His legacy is one of resilience, partnership, and absolute dominance on the American bullrings.

✨️The Colossus of Competition: A Statistical Overview✨️

Gaines’s career spanned from his raw beginnings in 1949 to his primary retirement around 1978. Over these nearly 30 years, his success became staggering. While exact totals vary, feature win counts are consistently reported to be between 600 and 1,000 victories, placing him among the most prolific short-track drivers in history. This profound statistical achievement was not confined to a single region; Gaines proudly recorded feature wins in 15 different states, cementing his reputation as a formidable national competitor even before the era of structured national touring.
His monumental career earned him official recognition with his induction into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1992, a well-deserved honor that validated his sustained excellence and enduring impact on the sport.

✨️The Defining Versatility: Mastering the Dual Crown✨️

The ultimate proof of Gaines's complete skill set lies in his unique achievement of winning the two most prestigious non-touring events in American sprint car racing:

1974 Knoxville Nationals | Dirt (Red Clay)
This victory, secured by outgunning the iconic Jan Opperman on the final corner of the last lap, demonstrated his aggressive, high-momentum racecraft essential for conquering the nation's biggest dirt race. He achieved this driving Karl Kinser's No. 71.

Little 500 | Pavement | 1973, 1976 | By winning this 500-lap pavement endurance classic twice at Anderson Speedway, Gaines proved he could transition from the sliding, intuitive style of dirt to the precise, gripping control required to manage tire wear and pit strategy over the long haul.

This "Dual-Surface Crown" confirmed that in an era when specialization was beginning to emerge, Gaines possessed the comprehensive mechanical intuition and adaptable racecraft to succeed regardless of the track setup or surface conditions.

✨️The Forging of a Legend: Ten Years of "Rough and Tumble"✨️

Gaines's journey began at the quarter-mile circuit in Carlisle, Indiana, with a rudimentary 1939 Ford sedan. His apprenticeship was grueling. He acknowledged that he "tore up a lot of equipment" in the early years and faced stiff resistance from older, established drivers who sought to eliminate the "younster." This "baptism by fire" was extensive, leading Gaines to state he needed "about ten years of 'rough and tumble' racing before I became a good racer."

This difficult, protracted formative period, stretching into the early 1960s, was the crucible that forged his tough, thick-chested approach and mechanical empathy. Coming into his own in the era of super modifieds, racing at unforgiving Indiana "bullrings" like Paragon, Bloomington, and Haubstadt, Gaines learned the high-risk, "man-against-man" style that rewarded sheer mental and physical toughness.

✨️A Legacy Built on Symbiotic Partnerships✨️

Gaines's sustained dominance was largely facilitated by two critical partnerships with legendary car owners:

* E.M. "Dizz" Wilson ( #70): In the mid-1960s, this regional partnership was the catalyst for Gaines’s feature winning habit, delivering an estimated 164 victories in just five years. Wilson's high regard for Gaines as one of the best "seat-of-the-pants drivers" speaks to the driver's innate ability to adapt instantly to evolving track conditions—a fundamental requirement for success in that era.

The joint induction of Wilson and Gaines into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame underscores the historical weight of their combined regional power.

* Karl Kinser ( #22, #11, #71): Starting in 1970, the alliance with Kinser, who would become the winningest car owner in history, transitioned Gaines from a regional star to a national champion. Kinser provided meticulous, annually upgraded equipment, which Gaines used to secure his major national wins. Gaines’s endorsement of the Kinser car as the "best car that I have ever driven" powerfully validates the perfect technical and driving synergy they achieved. This period was a crucial proving ground that set the standard for the Kinser dynasty that would later dominate the sport with drivers like Steve Kinser.

Gaines concluded his major association with Kinser in 1977, stepping away just as the sport professionalized with the formation of the World of Outlaws. His success was rooted in the regional circuits he mastered (SCIRA, IMCA), and his decision to retire in 1978 after a brief return for Dizz Wilson marked a graceful exit from a transforming sport.

Though his aspiration to race in the Indianapolis 500 remained unfulfilled, Gaines’s satisfaction with his career—having lived his "life dream"—is palpable. His profound legacy is actively preserved through the annual Dick Gaines Memorial Sprint Race at Lawrenceburg Speedway, an event that ensures his name remains a permanent, powerful fixture in the lore of sprint car racing, honoring the man who was truly a master of both the dirt and the blacktop.

-Trenton Mann
American Dirt

09/28/2025

08/03/2025

Historical night for Kayla Roell! 🔥

Tonight at Tri-State Speedway, she became the first woman to win a USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car heat race.

She followed it up with the best feature finish by a woman in series history (9th).

That's the Inferno Armor Fire Move of the Night! 🔥

07/31/2025

The Enduring Legacy: A History of USAC Indiana Sprint Week

For over three decades, the last week of July has held a special significance for sprint car enthusiasts worldwide, drawing them to the Hoosier State for a grueling yet exhilarating test of skill and endurance: USAC Indiana Sprint Week. What began in 1988 as a multi-track sprint car spectacle has evolved into a crown jewel event on the USAC AMSOil National Sprint Car Series calendar, forging legends and etching countless indelible moments into the annals of dirt track racing.

The Genesis: A Summer Tradition Begins (1988)

Indiana Sprint Week was conceived to capitalize on the rich tradition of sprint car racing in a state synonymous with motorsports. The inaugural "Sprint Week" in 1988 laid the groundwork for what would become an annual pilgrimage for drivers and fans alike. This initial independent series quickly gained traction. The United States Auto Club (USAC) officially sanctioned the series beginning in 1996, a pivotal moment that elevated its prestige and solidified its place within the national sprint car landscape.

The 2025 edition marks the 30th year under USAC sanction, a testament to its enduring popularity and organizational success. Since its inception in 1988, a remarkable 220 Indiana Sprint Week events have been contested, creating a deep well of historical data and unforgettable races.

Early Dominance and Emerging Stars

In its formative years, Indiana Sprint Week saw the rise of several prominent figures who would help define its character. Early champions like Randy Kinser (1988), Chuck Amati (1989, 1990), and Gary Trammell (1990 - co-champion with Amati) set the standard. Bob Kinser took the title by one point over Mike Mann in 1991, followed by the formidable Kevin Thomas, who claimed an impressive four titles between 1992 and 1996. These early stars, through their intense rivalries and daring maneuvers, established the foundation for the hard-fought battles that would become synonymous with the event.

As the years progressed, new generations of talent emerged, further solidifying Indiana Sprint Week's reputation as a proving ground for the nation's best non-winged sprint car drivers. J.J. Yeley, a two-time champion (1997, 2003), and Dave Darland, a three-time champion (1998, 2001, 2007), etched their names into the winner's list in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Tony Elliott (1999) and Cory Kruseman (2002, 2005) also became multi-time victors. However, it was Levi Jones who became one of the most dominant forces in the 2000s, showcasing remarkable consistency across multiple demanding tracks to secure an astounding four titles (2004, 2008, 2009, 2012), tying Kevin Thomas for the most championships in Indiana Sprint Week history. In terms of individual race wins during Sprint Week, Dave Darland holds the all-time record with 20 victories, a testament to his sustained excellence. Logan Seavey, as of late July 2025, has accumulated 8 career Indiana Sprint Week main event scores, ranking him among the top all-time in that category. The competition has always been fierce, with numerous drivers consistently finishing in the top 10 in points, showcasing the depth of talent that Indiana Sprint Week attracts. While specific overall attendance figures for the entire week are not typically released, individual events at tracks like Kokomo Speedway and Lawrenceburg Speedway often draw thousands of passionate fans, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

The Gauntlet of Tracks: A Rotating Cast of Venues

A defining characteristic of Indiana Sprint Week is its multi-track format, demanding versatility and adaptability from competing teams. While the specific schedule can vary slightly each year, several iconic Indiana dirt tracks have become staples of the week-long series.

These include:
* Kokomo Speedway: Known for its high banks and thrilling action, it has hosted numerous pivotal Sprint Week events.

* Lincoln Park Speedway (Putnamville): A challenging oval that often kicks off the week, providing an early test for competitors.

* Lawrenceburg Speedway: A fast and wide track that often produces blistering speeds and intense battles.

* Terre Haute Action Track: A historic half-mile oval, offering a unique test of power and control and a rich history of sprint car racing.

* Bloomington Speedway: A popular red clay oval that has often hosted critical rounds, known for its exciting surface.

* Circle City Raceway: A newer addition to the circuit that has quickly gained a reputation for exciting racing, demonstrating the series' willingness to embrace new venues.

* Tri-State Speedway (Haubstadt): A regularly featured track, particularly for the series finale, known for its unique configuration and high-speed racing.

Notably, 2025 marks a historic first for Indiana Sprint Week, with the opening night being held at The Dirt Track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This significant moment bridges the gap between grassroots sprint car racing and the iconic "Racing Capital of the World," showcasing the event on a grander stage. This specific event will offer a $10,000-to-win purse for the feature race, with the remaining seven events on the 2025 schedule paying out $8,000 to the winner of each feature. The 2025 Indiana Sprint Week features eight events at eight different racetracks across a 10-night span, showcasing the diverse challenges presented by Hoosier dirt. For the IMS opener, an invitational field of 40 drivers was confirmed, highlighting the caliber of competition.

Evolution and Enduring Appeal

Over the decades, USAC Indiana Sprint Week has evolved while maintaining its core appeal. The competition has grown fiercer, with the stakes continually rising. In recent years, the championship payoff has significantly increased, with the 2025 title winner set to receive a substantial $25,000. The overall point fund for Indiana Sprint Week in 2025 is an impressive more than $50,000, with the top eight drivers in the final standings receiving a share. This represents a significant increase, as the 2024 top-eight payout totaled $24,000, meaning the 2025 payout has more than doubled, attracting even more top-tier talent.
The format typically involves a race nearly every night for a more than a full week, testing the mettle of drivers, crews, and equipment. The demanding schedule, combined with the diverse characteristics of each track, ensures that only the most consistent and resilient teams can contend for the coveted Indiana Sprint Week championship.

Modern champions like Bryan Clauson (two-time champion: 2013, 2014), Kevin Thomas Jr. (two-time champion: 2017, 2021), Brady Bacon (two-time champion: 2016, 2023), Chris Windom (two-time champion: 2011, 2018), Justin Grant (2022), C.J. Leary (2019), and Logan Seavey (2024) have continued the tradition of hard-fought victories, often going on to claim USAC National Sprint Car championships in the same season. The level of competition is consistently high, with average car counts for USAC National Sprint Car events often hovering around 30-40 entries, ensuring packed fields and thrilling qualifying sessions and heat races. The closest championship margin in Indiana Sprint Week history has often come down to a handful of points, underscoring the intensity of the competition.

Beyond the competitive aspect, Indiana Sprint Week has cultivated a unique atmosphere. It's a gathering of a passionate community, where fans camp out, celebrate victories, and commiserate over defeats. The intimate nature of dirt track racing, combined with the sheer volume of high-quality events, creates an immersive experience unlike any other in motorsports. Additional awards like the Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying Challenge, which rewards each fast qualifier with $200 (plus an extra $200 for each additional fast time), and the Rod End Supply Hard Charger bonus ($200 at each feature), further incentivize top performances throughout the demanding week.

The overall economic impact of events at major Indiana racing venues, including those hosting Sprint Week, can be substantial, contributing significantly to local economies through tourism, lodging, and direct spending by teams and fans.

In conclusion, USAC Indiana Sprint Week is more than just a series of races; it's a cherished tradition, a proving ground for talent, and a testament to the enduring thrill of non-winged sprint car racing. Its history is rich with legendary drivers, iconic tracks, and unforgettable moments, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of American motorsports for generations to come.

USAC Racing
Honest Abe Roofing
Illustros
Benic Enterprises
NOS Energy Drink
Hoosier Racing Tire