Glen Niebel Classic Mel Kenyon 100 Attracting Strong Field of Cars

The 13th annual Glen Niebel Classic Mel Kenyon 100 is attracting a strong field of pavement sprint cars to Anderson Speedway on Sunday April 14th. This year’s edition of the “Niebel” will be the inaugural event for the United States Speed Association’s Sprint Car Challenge Series Built by the UAW.

Two of the most recent Niebel Classic winners will be on hand and expected to challenge for the win. 2005 winner and USAC Midget and Silver Crown Champion Bobby East will try and repeat his dominating drive from 2009 while 2012 race winner and the only two time winner of the Niebel Classic Aaron Pierce will be working to make it two wins in a row.

Ten time USAC Champion Tony Hunt is bringing his Chevrolet Stock Block sprint car from California and expects to compete for the top spot. Pay Less Little 500 fan favorite Jeff Bloom will also bring his own brand of “Anderson Fast” to this year’s version of the Glen Niebel Classic. 2012 HOSS Champion Joe Swanson is taking his wing off to get the experience prior to running the Pay Less Little 500.

“We expect the strongest field of sprint cars that the Niebel Classic has had for several years,” explained USSA President Don Kenyon. “We are looking for a great show for the fans.”

The USSA Mel Kenyon Midget Series will be joining the Sprint Car Challenge Series Built by the UAW. 2012 series champion Travis Young will kick-off his title defense. Dameron Taylor, the 2012 series runner-up and rookie of the year, hopes to spoils Young’s plans right out of the barrel. Both driver are fast on the High Banks of Anderson Speedway and will take the high lane producing exciting racing.

The Anderson Speedway gates will open at 11:30. Practice and qualifying for both divisions will also begin at 11:30. The Fan Appreciation Autograph Session will start at 1:10 followed by racing at 2:00.

Here is the list of confirmed drivers so far:

Bobby East, Aaron Pierce, Jimmy McCune, Jeff Bloom, Joe Swanson, Tony Hunt, Garrett Green, Kevin Studley, Travis Welpott, Jason Cox, Kyle Henry, Kyle Feeney and more expected.

Interesting notes:

Joe Swanson, 2012 HOSS champion is taking the wing off to prepare for his 1st Little 500

Jeff Bloom, first race back since his season ending injury last year

Garrett Green, making the long tow from Florida to prepare for Little 500, they will have 3 team cars in May

Tony Hunt, making the longest two from Northern California

Bobby East, maybe he is skipping the Night before the 500 (IRP) and run the Little 500 this year?

The team will also have 2 cars for Sunday at Anderson Speedway, #3 for Garrett Green and #1 for Brian Gingras. Gingras: “We’re going to do the 100-lapper at Anderson, and after the 100-lapper, it’ll be the Wednesday Must See race at Anderson, and the Little 500, both in May.”

Here's the 2 team drivers from Florida last year:



Garrett Green and Brian Gingras, 2012