70th Annual USAC Silver Crown Day Before the 500

Photographing the USAC Silver Crown Series

Yesterday I was in Speedway, Indiana as a guest of the USAC Racing series. I have seen them race many times before, but never from inside of the track. Yesterday I was able to get up close and personal with these awesome cars. They may look small, but they really do pack a punch. I think that they put on a much better show on dirt. I would like to photograph them on the dirt before the summer is over. The way that they throw the cars into the corners is what makes them special. More on that as I figure it out.

Tanner Swanson Wins the Day Before the 500

It seems like yesterday’s race was actually won during qualifying. Tanner Swanson took the pole, and never looked back. He led wire to wire with really no competition for him. It was a dominating performance that was impressive to watch. He nearly lapped the entire field. That should tell you how good his car was. With no cautions to bunch the field back up he had an easy run to the finish.

Another Andretti on the Track

Yesterday I met Jarett Andretti who is the son of former NASCAR driver John Andretti. As I was photographing the cars I saw a familiar name on top of one of them. When you think of this weekend in Indianapolis Andretti is a name that comes to mind for sure. Naturally he drew a little attention on the starting grid as he prepared for the race.

Bonus Photos

Below are a few extra photos that I liked from the day. It was a fun day at the track filled with three racing series going at it for practice, qualifying, and then the race. I will have more on the other series in the coming days. I also have a gallery up on my website here with a few other images from the day. As I finish my edits the galleries will grow a bit more.

C.J. Leary runs a practice lap prior to the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
John Andretti fills a tire on his son Jarett Andretti's car prior to the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.

Aaron Pierce checks his rear tire prior to the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
Austin Nemire takes a break prior to the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
Jarett Andretti prepares to race the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
Tracy Hines prepares to race the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
A Ryan Newman autograph on the side of Tanner Swanson's car at the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
Tanner Swanson in his car prior to the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
The field takes a parade lap prior to the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
Jerry Coons Jr. and Tracy Hines battle during the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
David Byrne and Jarett Andretti battle during the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
Jacob Wilson and Kody Swanson battle during the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
Jerry Coons Jr. and Aaron Pierce battle during the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
Jerry Coons Jr. and A.J. Fike battle during the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
Aaron Pierce and A.J. Fike battle during the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
Tanner Swanson races during the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
Jarett Andretti races during the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
Tanner Swanson celebrates winning the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
Tanner Swanson gets a kiss from his wife after winning the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.
Tanner Swanson in Victory Lane following his win in the Day Before the 500 race at Lucas Oil Raceway in Speedway, Indiana on May 23, 2015.

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