Illinois Racer Fike Conquers Springfield Mile

A.J. Fike won Saturday afternoon's Tony Bettenhausen 100 Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Series race at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. (Don Figler photo)

SPRINGFILED, Ill. — A.J. Fike became the first Illinois driver in 29 years to capture the Tony Bettenhausen 100 USAC Traxxas Silver Crown race at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Fike led the final 65 laps of the 100-mile race at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in his Liberty Village/McGladrey & Pullen Beast/Foxco.

Gary Bettenhausen was the last Illinois driver to win the race, in 1983. Defending race winner Brian Tyler, who was the fast qualifier, finished second in Saturday’s race, ahead of Tanner Swanson, Levi Jones and Bryan Clauson.

Kody Swanson led the first 19 laps but encountered mechanical problems and failed to finish.

Jones led 16 laps before Fike went to the front on a restart.

Posted by NSSN Staff on Aug 18 2012 Filed under Latest Headlines, Sprints & Midgets, Top Stories, USAC. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.