Pendleton’s Travis Welpott returns to the Little 500 after Long Road Back

Pendleton’s Travis Welpott returns to the Little 500 after Long Road Back

ANDERSON, Ind. - For Pendleton’s Travis Welpott, the Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by ED Martin Automotive Group has always represented something bigger than just another race.

“It’s the pinnacle of pavement sprint car racing,” Welpott said. “For a non-wing guy, this is what you dream about. It’s the biggest race there is.”

This May, Welpott will return to Anderson Speedway’s historic 500-lap classic after enduring one of the toughest stretches of his racing career. A grueling two-year battle with wrist injuries that nearly ended his time behind the wheel.

His return comes with the support of longtime backers Smith Family Farms, whose commitment has helped make another Little 500 run possible for Welpott Racing.

“It takes people who believe in what we’re doing,” Welpott said. “Without support like Smith Family Farms and the people around this team, we’re not here.”

Travis Welpott practicing at Anderson Speedway (Jack Kessler Photo)

Since making his Little 500 debut in 2012, Welpott has quietly built one of the event’s most respected resumes among teams. In 12 career starts, he has completed nearly 5,000 laps with two top-10 finishes, highlighted by an impressive ninth-place run in 2019 after starting 27th. 

His last Little 500 start in 2024 ended abruptly in a crash that sidelined him and led to a long recovery process that included three surgeries.

“The second surgery is when they found the bigger issue,” Welpott said. “They had to move the bone back, section it, bolt it together and put a steel brace down my forearm. It was a major reconstruction.”

The recovery wasn’t easy. After the first surgery and months of rehab, uncertainty lingered. When Welpott climbed back into the car for testing before the 2025 Little 500, simple tasks like pulling setup blocks and turning the wheel brought pain and doubt.

“We got through the test and knew I was still hurting,” Welpott said. “That first night, Trey House and the crew looked at everything honestly and said, ‘If you can’t do it right, we better stay out.’”

It was a difficult but necessary decision.

Safety came first, even if it meant waiting longer for another shot at the race he loves most.

That patience paid off.

Travis Welpott leads drivers at the 2024 Little 500 (Jack Kessler Photo)

After undergoing a third surgery this spring, Welpott and his team worked through preparatory races, including the Glen Niebel Classic, shaking off rust and rebuilding confidence. They avoided mechanical trouble, finished races cleanly and, most importantly, Welpott’s wrist held up.

“Once we got through that and everything felt good, we knew it was time,” he said. “That’s when we decided we were going for it.”

That decision carries extra meaning because of who surrounds him.

Unlike many larger operations, Welpott’s effort is built on family, friends and hard work. Crew chief Trey House plays a central role, while Welpott’s father, former students and longtime supporters fill whatever role is needed.

“It’s just one big family,” Welpott said.

That family-first mentality has defined the team’s success.

They make do with what they have, often repurposing parts and solving problems creatively rather than simply buying new equipment.

“We’re kind of jack-of-all-trades,” Welpott said. “We can’t always outspend people, so we outwork them.”

That blue-collar determination has kept Welpott competitive in one of pavement racing’s toughest events.

Now, after years of setbacks and recovery, he gets another chance at the race that first inspired him growing up. When the green flag waves and 33 drivers thunder into Turn 1, Welpott won’t just be making another start. He’ll be completing a comeback years in the making and once again chasing Little 500 history.

The 78th Annual Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by Ed Martin Automotive Group will be held on Saturday, May 23rd at 8:00pm. Tickets for the event are available now and are reserved seating only. All tickets are $45 and can be purchased online HERE or by calling Anderson Speedway Monday through Friday from 10am-4pm.

Practice for teams begins on Wednesday, May 20th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. CB Fabricating Pole Day is scheduled for Thursday, May 21st from 11:30am – 3:30pm. Final practice and Bump Day is set for Friday, May 22nd from 11:30am to 3:30pm. Grandstand admission is free for fans Wednesday through Friday and race day tickets are reserved seating only.The event, including practice and qualifying, will also be streamed live on Racing America. For more information on the Little 500, visit us at andersonspeedway.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and X.