Little 500, Who's going?
 

This will be my third straight thanks to a very good friend and despite not being a big pavement openwheel fan This race has become a favorite of mine and I think a lot of things play into why. Small multi groove track, lots of cars. And a long race where anything can happen and often does.

Wondering if any of the planned improvements have happened? First thing should be the PA because I doubt anywhere but the front straight could you ever hear it, even under yellow.

Anyhow, I plan to be there mid afternoon, Watch hot laps in the turn two grandstand in the shade, Then make my way to section O back straight seats for the race.

Swanson, Santos, Armstrong, Pierce, Hamilton, Windom, Coons and half a dozen others have been tough the past few years. some dominating at points of the race but things change with the pit stop stratagies, Tire wear and a whole host of other things. Last year proved two things with Swanson first having a lost lap due to pit stop fueling issue and then losing another when he spun after 250 laps on his tires. and still winning. Never count him out.

Race also pays very well, While most teams as usual will lose money, the top few will break even or even come out a little ahead, And drivers stand to make more than they could in several local shows..

I can see why this race has ran a long time.
Get your seats now, There probably won't be any available on race day.

Like Terre Haute which I waited years to get too but was told about forever, This is a must see at least once.

Been going since 89 ,only missed a couple vowed to never missed another,was always in the pits untill 09 was first time to watch in stands ,next week is when I get to go see racing ,sucks its going to be the last Hoosier 100 ,but the "LIL 500 " is the one race I look forward to every year

Charles no improvements made no new. Fencing no new bleachers no repaving the track nothing same old Anderson

Re: Little 500, Who's going?
 

I was there a couple weeks ago, and the sections of bleachers in turn 3 were in the process of being converted to aluminum bleachers, and should be ready for the Lil 5. I didn't eat anything, but the Concessions have been taken over by the Speedway, so I can't comment as to any improvements in food choices/quality, etc.

Been going 20 plus years (can’t Remember the first year getting old) great race ,good friends and good Times! Love this time of year and can’t wait to get there.🏁🏁🏁🏁

Re: Little 500, Who's going?
 

Yeah KDub, had another friend tell me the concession was changed. didn't know if anything else yet.

Think it was last Summer they announced 5mil in improvements over the next few years. Just wondered if thats still happening.

Re: Little 500, Who's going?
 

My wife and I will be going this year. Will be sitting in turn one. Love seeing the cars coming at you for the start three wide. Don't get much better than that!!!

Bruce and Pat Eckel :D:6::8::10:

Re: Little 500, Who's going?
 

They run a very good FM transmitter at the track so if you have trouble hearing, bring a small FM receiver and earbuds/hearing protection, or just go for the hearing protection with an FM receiver built in. I can't remember the frequency off the top of my head, but I do know it's posted in large letters on the side of the main ticket booth and main concession stand.

Re: Little 500, Who's going?
 

Have they weed whacked the mens room yet? Always a sign the Little 500 is close by......

Re: Little 500, Who's going?
 

I have never not went since the first time. I can't imagine going anywhere else.

I wonder if the ladies have the same ambience that we do!🌙✨

Re: Little 500, Who's going?
 

I went in and looked at it once.
Port a Jon for me. Lots of em in turn two. I think turn three as well.

As for upgrades, Another Friend tells me the turn two grandstand should be done for the 500 and the lighting, The concessions were also changed. Said he went to the show a couple weeks ago.

Owner said it's hard working them things in, along with the other stuff when it rains four days a week.

Thanks Chet Christner for the mention of the FM feed, May also buy the race monitor app. Had some confusion last year as the third place guy was running like what was second for awhile but was actually a lap down.

This is a odd topic for me. I remember as a kid anticipating the story and results of the Little 500 in the Speed Sport the first week in June every year. I remember telling Dad, we need to go to this. I remember pulling for Frank Riddle, Bentley Warren, many other greats that ran the race. Well we never made it to Memorial Day tradition. As time has passed, for some reason I’ve become to view it as a novelty event. In spite of the fact that some of my most respected race fan friends, a couple of whom are involved with the race, tout how great an event it is, I still can’t seem to move it up my bucket list. I’m going to get there someday, but not going to be this one. I hope the race is awesome and everyone has a great time. For me, maybe next year

Re: Little 500, Who's going?
 

I felt the same way. Went once and never missed again. Its hard to describe. Your right is a novelty in a way. Always a fun night.

Need to see it before you run out of next years.🙂

It is a yearly must see. Two and a half hours of constant excitement.

66 you’re right about the running out of years part. Due to the fact I enjoy this site, I won’t mention 2 of the races that are ahead of it on my bucket list, I would probably be banned :3:

Re: Little 500, Who's going?
 

Updates for 2019 Anderson Speedway:

New Concessions- Still have the same fan favorites. The breaded tenderloin has gone through a change and has been well liked by fans the race we have run. A local pizza shop is supplying pizza now to the track and is available in turn 3. Credit cards are also now be accepted at all concession stands throughout the property.

New Stands - the first phase of upgrades has started for turn 3. They are putting the finishing touches on the stands this week as they will be open for the Little 500. We are looking to continue the upgrades over the next few years.

Lights - All the lights at the speedway will be converted to LED Lighting by the Little 500.

Turn 1 Restroom - Part of the restroom had a new roof put on it. However the urinals are still under the stars. We just knock the weeds down today and will spray them tomorrow.

Track Radio - The track radio is 90.5 we will also have live local radio this year with Brian Hammons and Tom Bigelow calling the race. They will be on 1240am and 103.7 FM.

Plenty of tickets are still available but they are starting to sell very quickly. We highly encourage patrons to purchase tickets in advance.

Re: Little 500, Who's going?
 

Can't get much more official than that. Thank's Anderson Speedway. See ya next week.

Re: Little 500, Who's going?
 

We rarely attend racing conducted on an asphalt oval. Any asphalt oval. Our racing entertainment preferences have always been solidly on dirt tracks. For many years I had read about the Little 500 and was intrigued by the format, length and the type cars that are a part of this event. Even though we had attended the Indy 500 for 2 1/2 decades, give or take, we had never made an effort to attend the Little 5.

Then a half dozen years ago our friends from out Kansas way urged us to join them at Anderson Speedway on the Saturday night of Memorial Weekend. We did, and we haven't missed one since and do not intend to miss another one unless it's an absolute necessity that we be somewhere else.

The Little 500 is quite simply a huge highlight of the racing season for us!

Re: Little 500, Who's going?
 

I got talked into going back in the early 2000's when I lived in Maine and decided to come to Indiana for Memorial Day weekend instead of Pennsylvania. A bunch of people talked me into going to the Little 500,Morty,Brent,Marc and Stacie etc etc.. I grew up watching stock cars on pavement,and our biggest race was the Oxford 250. I reasoned it would be like the 250,with probably a bit of a lull in the action halfway through. Well,it never got boring. 11-12 second laps all night never gets boring.

It always amazed me that Eric Gordon had so many wins. You have to have all your ducks in a row,and incredible luck on top of that just to finish that race,and moreso to finish on the lead lap,to say nothing of winning.


Its a great race,and right in your back yard moreso than probably your other bucket list races,so you should move it up a notch or 2 on your list......

Re: Little 500, Who's going?
 

The urinals under the stars never bothered me,just unique for the first time visitor. Its is good you are updating the restrooms though. I remember when a track in the North East said they were updating the urinals,I figured they were just going to plant a few new trees......

Andrew, you’re right the top two are 5 to 8 hours away, I think I could get to Anderson in under 3. All of the endorsement from you guys sure is validation of the event. I sure hope everyone has a wonderful time. Tip one in my honor :32:

Re: Little 500, Who's going?
 

Our group may tip more than one in your honor lol

Re: Little 500, Who's going?
 

I have been going since 1976 and missed a few for family graduations including mine. It is by far the best 500 in Indiana! If you don't like wheel to wheel racing action. This is not a race for you, they do not have the stage crap.

Great to see, Brian Tyler, saluting Larry Contos. He sure supported the Little 500, and a lot of other racing!