[Midwest Connection]

The 1995 Tony Bettenhausen 100 - one 100 miler I won't forget. Why? Because 47 Silver Crowners took to the clock this day. Again, JP was on the pole in the # 39 McQuinn & Tapocik/McQuinn Auto Service - Donley, Inc. - Bob Vose Korndogs entry - timing in at 31.936.

But, the drive of the day was by Kenny Irwin, Jr out of Indianapolis, Indiana in the # 23 David Calderwood/Wynn's Oil - MP Environmental Services entry. Kenny didn't qualify thru time trials, but made the starting grid qualifying thru the 15 lap last chance qualifier. There were 25 last chance Silver Crowners trying to gain a position in the 100 miler. Well, Kenny qualified and had to start the 100 miler in Row 14, starting position 28 out of 30 starters. Off they went, and as I listened to the announcer and watched the race unfold, Kenny Irwin, Jr started picking them off, one by one. Well, after it was all said and done, Kenny Irwin, Jr crossed the stripe first that day - he had won the 1995 Tony Bettenhausen 100. All I can say is this, Kenny Irwin, Jr passed many of open wheel racing's greatest drivers that day.

The 1995 Tony Bettenhausen 100 top ten were as follows:
1. Kenny Irwin, Jr
2. Chuck Gurney
3. "Ziggy" Snider
4. Johnny Parsons
5. Robbie Flock
6. Rocky Hodges
7. Donnie Beechler
8. Jack Runyon
9. Jimmy Sills
10. Tony Stewart

Also, Kenny Irwin, Jr won the 25 lap midget feature that day as well. 2nd thru 10 were - Stewart, Michener, Parsons, Doty, Gerster, Newman, Leary, Hines, and Johncox.

A great driver Kenny Irwin, Jr was, and still is to this day - JMO as I see it.
To Kenny Irwin, Jr - you are sadly missed, RIP.

Have a good day...see you at the races

Rich - Arnold, Missouri