Anderson, IN (Wednesday, April 26, 2023) – The start of the 2023 points awarding season is about to begin for the ASA/CRA Super Series Powered by JEGS when the stars unload for the first time at Anderson Speedway on Saturday, April 29th. The O’Reilly Auto Parts 125 features a $5,000 to win 125 lap main event with over $2,500 in contingencies and awards for drivers who take on the task of tackling the ¼-mile high banks. The O’Reilly Auto Parts 125 is also the only tune-up race before the ASA STARS National Tour Redbud 400.
A fixture on the ASA/CRA Super Series schedule for the past 26 years, Anderson Speedway is not only home to one of the region’s most prestigious events, but it’s also the birthplace of Champion Racing Association (CRA) and the original American Speed Association (ASA). In April of 1997, Champion Racing Association was born at Anderson Speedway with the first event winner being Brian Ross, who would go on to win 22 ASA/CRA Super Series races in his career, fourth on the all-time wins list.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts 125 on Saturday will serve as the 75th race contested at Anderson, by far the most held at any race track with the ASA/CRA sanctioning; the next closest is Winchester Speedway with 55 total events.
In the 25 years that CRA has raced at Anderson Speedway, 23 spring races survived mother nature’s up-and-down tendencies in central Indiana. Of those 23 events, 15 different drivers found themselves in Victory Lane at the end of the race. Ross (1997 & 2000), Jeff Lane (2004 & 2011), Johnny VanDoorn (2009, 2010, & 2017), T.J. Reaid (2012-2014), and Eddie Van Meter (2015 & 2022) are the only drivers to win multiple spring races at Anderson Speedway. With Eddie Van Meter essentially calling it a career for full-time super series racing after winning the 2022 ASA/CRA Super Series Championship, it’s likely that we’ll see our 15th different spring winner on Saturday.
Not only will drivers on Saturday be in the running for the $5,000 to win and over $2,500 in contingency and event awards, but those in attendance will also be eligible for the first $1,000 drawing from Team Construction. This season, three $1,000 drawings will be held throughout the season for drivers eligible based on attendance. Drivers who race at Anderson, Salem and Nashville will be eligible for the first drawing, then drivers who race at Anderson, Indianapolis, and Winchester will be eligible for another drawing, and finally, Toledo, Winchester, and Nashville to end the season will again be eligible for another drawing.
Fans looking to attend the O’Reilly Auto Parts 125 at Anderson Speedway on Saturday, April 29th can find tickets at the gate. Racing begins at 7:00 PM ET with gates opening at 4:00 PM ET, and Qualifying at 5:30 PM ET. Fans who are unable to attend in person can catch all the action LIVE on RacingAmerica.Tv.
For more information on Champion Racing Association, the O’Reilly Auto Parts 125, or the ASA/CRA Super Series, log onto www.CRA-Racing.com. Find CRA: Champion Racing Association on Facebook and @CRARacing on Twitter.
Story – Zach Hiser, Champion Racing Association
Photo – John Lund
