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After
being absent from Eldora for one year, the All-Star circuit of
Champions will be on
action on the clay oval once again. Photo by Nancy
Feldner.
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All Stars return to
Eldora to begin New Tradition
Current points leader Shaffer hopes to shine
ROSSBURG, OH (Sept. 28) – After a one-year hiatus, a 29-year tradition
returns this Saturday to Eldora Speedway to close out the winged Sprint
Car season on the one-half mile clay oval. Headlining the twilight
Sprintacular card will be the touring All Star Circuit of Champions as
they revisit Eldora’s high banks for the first time since June 20,
2009. Completing the UNOH (University of Northwestern Ohio) sponsored
tripleheader will be the NRA (National Racing Alliance) Sprint Invaders
and the Legends cars.
Ironically, when the All Stars pull into town, defending and current
points leader, Tim Shaffer, will do so with nary an Eldora All Star win
to his credit. This is a score that the Aliquippa, PA veteran hopes to
settle.
It could be a tough road; however, as parity reigns supreme for the All
Stars at Eldora.
Of the 130 completed race meets since May 3, 1981 when Brad Doty
captured the initial All Star win, there have been 41 different
winners. Kenny Jacobs remains high on the win list with 21 victories,
while Joey Saldana is the only other driver with double digit wins at
11 triumphs.
The equality that the All Stars brings to the plate is evidenced by the
number of drivers that have single wins – 18.
In addition to Shaffer, drivers considered to be in the hunt to capture
their introductory All Star checkered flag at Eldora Speedway include
young upstart David Gravel, along with seasoned veterans Kyle Sauder,
Jim Nier and Rob Chaney.
Regardless of the outcome, the All Stars will begin another chapter of
Eldora history.
For the NRA contingent, it will mark the 19th consecutive year for the
360 C.I. brand of winged Sprint Cars at Eldora, with a parity status of
their own. With 106 events completed to date, 34 different drivers have
experienced the thrill of victory. Veteran Tim Allison, who has been
there throughout the tenure, sits atop the win list with 14 wins, just
one win ahead of Phil Gressman’s total of 13. However, It has been
since 2006 that Allison has seen a win.
For the Legends, a 5/8-scaled replica of American automobiles from the
1930’s and 1940’s and powered by Yamaha motorcycle engines, it will
mark their third appearance to the massive one-half mile clay oval.
Jack Dossey was the most recent winner with the group paid a 2009 visit.
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