Top Storylines Heading into Tony Elliott Classic
Top Storylines Heading into Tony Elliott Classic
The 500 Sprint Car Tour invades the home of the 500 Sprint Car Tour, Anderson Speedway. There is no shortage of storylines as the tour enters the 10th Annual Tony Elliott Classic presented by CB Fabricating.
Honoring Tony Elliott: His Legacy Lives On at Anderson Speedway
When the green flag waves on the 10th Annual Tony Elliott Classic at Anderson Speedway, it will be about more than just laps and trophies. It will be a night that celebrates the life and legacy of one of Indiana’s most beloved racers — Tony Elliott.
Tony Elliott (Left) pictured with Car Owner Gene Nolen (Right) before the start of the 2015 Little 500. - Max Dolder Photo
Elliott was more than a two-time USAC National Sprint Car champion. He was the kind of driver and person who left a lasting mark everywhere he went. Known for his infectious smile, approachable personality, and competitive fire, Elliott carried the spirit of short-track racing both on and off the track. Whether he was chasing wins on the national stage or lending advice to a young driver in the pits, his influence was felt deeply across the racing community.
Anderson Speedway held a special place in Elliott’s career. On the tight quarter-mile, his skill and determination shined, making him a fan favorite and respected competitor. The Classic named in his honor has become one of the most prestigious races on the pavement sprint car calendar, bringing together the best in the sport to compete under the lights in front of packed grandstands.
Each year, the Tony Elliott Classic serves as both a competitive showdown and a tribute. Drivers know they aren’t just racing for themselves — they’re racing to honor a man who gave so much to open-wheel racing. Fans remember Elliott not only for his accomplishments, but for his warmth and generosity, qualities that made him one of Indiana’s true racing legends.
As the 500 Sprint Car Tour stars battle in this year’s edition, the impact of Tony Elliott will be felt in every lap, every cheer, and every victory lane celebration at Anderson Speedway. His legacy continues to drive the sport forward.
The Championship Battle is HEATING UP!
The 2025 500 Sprint Car Tour championship fight is down to the wire, and after a thrilling night on the highbanks of Salem Speedway, the title chase is closer than ever heading into the second to last race at Anderson Speedway.
Dakoda Armstrong continues to lead the standings with 1362 points, thanks to his remarkable consistency all season long with six Top 5 finishes and seven Top 10s. He has also picked up two wins (Anderson - April & Salem). Armstrong has been the benchmark of reliability, but the margin is razor thin.
Just 25 points back sits Bobby Santos III. A five-time Top 5 finisher this season, Santos has shown speed on both short tracks and highbanks.. Santos has not entered this weekend's race and is expected to miss this weekend competing in Florida. Swanson’s five Top 5 finishes and win at Winchester Speedway has proven he can deliver under pressure making him a dangerous contender when the spotlight is brightest. Swanson has won the 2022 & 2024 500 Sprint Car Tour Driver Championships.
The battle doesn’t end there. Tyler Roahrig, with six Top 5s, holds fourth in points, 127 markers behind Armstrong, and is always a threat when the tour visits Anderson. Roahrig, the winner of three consecutive races this summer at (Berlin, Kalamazoo, and Owosso) vaulted him to the points lead before Salem. Roahrig did not compete at Salem so he lost the points lead to Armstrong. He returns to a track where he has won two previous Little 500’s in 2021 & 2022. Taylor Ferns rounds out the Top 5 with 1198 points and has been building momentum late in the year.
With the championship separated by just 52 points across the top three, every lap and position at Anderson Speedway will matter. On October 4th, the 10th Annual Tony Elliott Classic presented by CB Fabricating will decide it all. Who will rise, and who will fall?
CB Fabricating Continues Partnership with Anderson Speedway and Sprint Car Racing
As the 10th Annual Tony Elliott Classic takes center stage at Anderson Speedway, one name has become synonymous with its support and growth: CB Fabricating. The Anderson, Indiana-based company owned by Chris Barkdull has once again reaffirmed its commitment to sprint car racing and Anderson Speedway by returning as presenting sponsor of one of the sport’s most prestigious pavement events.
For years, CB Fabricating has been more than just a name on the marquee. Their involvement reflects a true passion for short-track racing and a dedication to keeping the tradition of open-wheel competition alive in Indiana. By supporting the Tony Elliott Classic and the 500 Sprint Car Tour, CB Fabricating not only honors the legacy of the late Tony Elliott but also helps ensure future generations of fans and drivers can enjoy the same thrills that Elliott embodied throughout his career.
The company’s continued partnership provides crucial resources that allow events like the Tony Elliott Classic to thrive — from bringing in the best talent in the country to racing at Anderson Speedway, to enhancing the experience for fans who pack the grandstands. It also highlights the important relationship between local businesses and grassroots racing, where community investment makes all the difference.
This year’s Classic promises to be one of the most competitive yet, with a championship on the line and the region’s top pavement sprint car drivers ready to battle on the high-banked quarter-mile. Thanks to CB Fabricating’s steadfast support, the event not only carries prestige but also stability, ensuring it remains a crown jewel on the sprint car calendar.
When the green flag drops, the roar of engines will once again be matched by the strength of partnership — a tradition that CB Fabricating continues to proudly uphold.
Fresh Faces Set for the Tony Elliott Classic!
The 10th Annual Tony Elliott Classic presented by CB Fabricating will not only feature the stars of the 500 Sprint Car Tour, but also a group of newcomers and rising drivers eager to make their mark on the bullring at Anderson Speedway!
- Keith Ousley – Back for his second Tour start after debuting at Kalamazoo in August.Ousley has been a longtime competitor at the Fort Wayne Rumble.
- Colin Grissom – A 2023 Little 500 competitor is making his first Tour start, now behind the wheel of a car recently purchased from veteran Travis Welpott. Grissom has competed in the Knapp Supply Ford Division and Modified divisions at Anderson Speedway. He is a former champion of the Kenyon Midget Series.
-Kevin Shelbo – Returning for his fourth start of 2025, but making his first-ever Anderson Speedway appearance. Kevin and his daughter Olivia have been running a new sprint car in 2025 after an unfortunate wreck at Toledo in 2024. Shelbo’s best finish is 11th at Salem Speedway.
-Tony McVey – Set for both his 500 Sprint Car Tour debut and pavement sprint car debut in this crown jewel event.McVey is a veteran of the dirt sprint car racing.
From seasoned short-trackers to first-time pavement sprint warriors, the Tony Elliott Classic is shaping up to be a can’t-miss showdown under the lights! 🌙
Aaron Pierce gets back into Sprint Car:
One of the most recognizable names in pavement sprint car racing is set to make a return this weekend, as Aaron Pierce climbs back behind the wheel for the 10th Annual Tony Elliott Classic presented by CB Fabricating at Anderson Speedway.
Pierce, a veteran open-wheel racer from Daleville, Indiana, has long been a fan favorite at Anderson. Known for his aggressive driving style and fearless determination, he has been a fixture in sprint car and Silver Crown competition for more than two decades. With multiple Little 500 starts and a reputation for charging to the front no matter the circumstances, Pierce’s return adds another layer of excitement to an already star-studded field.
Aaron Pierce (Middle) after winning the 2017 Tony Elliott Classic.
Pierce last competed in a sprint car race at Anderson Speedway in the 2021 during the Tony Elliott Classic. He finished in the 15th position. He has competed in 19 Little 500’s with the best finish of 2nd in 2004.
The bullring at Anderson Speedway has always been one of Pierce’s strongest stages. His familiarity with the track, paired with years of experience battling some of the best in the business, make him a potential spoiler in this year’s crown jewel event. For fans, the chance to see him once again wrestling a powerful non-wing sprint car around the tight quarter-mile is a thrill not to be missed.
Anderson Speedway Officials Apply Traction Compound to Second Lane Ahead of Tony Elliott Classic
When the field takes the green flag for the 10th Annual Tony Elliott Classic presented by CB Fabricating at Anderson Speedway, there will be a new wrinkle in play. Track officials have applied a traction compound to the high side of the tight quarter-mile oval in hopes of widening the racing groove and creating more side-by-side action for fans.
Turns 1 & 2 at Anderson Speedway - Jack Kessler Photo
Anderson Speedway has long been known as one of the trickiest bullrings in the country. The preferred line has traditionally hugged the bottom, forcing drivers to fight for the inside lane and making restarts and passing opportunities extremely physical. With the addition of the compound, drivers may now find added grip in the outside groove, opening the door for wheel-to-wheel racing throughout the night.
The move is a bold one, and anticipation is high to see how it impacts Saturday’s feature. Will the top side come in early, giving outside starters a chance to hang tough on the start? Or will the bottom still reign supreme until late in the run, when tires and track temperature start to change? Those questions will only be answered under race conditions, adding another layer of intrigue to an already prestigious event.
For competitors, the adjustment could alter strategy. Crew chiefs will need to consider whether to set cars up to attack the bottom groove as always, or gamble on finding speed upstairs. For fans, it promises the possibility of more passing and drama — the kind of action fitting for a race that honors the late Tony Elliott’s legacy.
One thing is certain: with a championship battle looming, every inch of grip at Anderson Speedway will matter more than ever.
Jackson Macenko Shines at Anderson Speedway in 2025
Few drivers have shown as much growth and determination on the 500 Sprint Car Tour in 2025 as Jackson Macenko. The young racer has steadily built his reputation as a rising star, and Anderson Speedway has been the stage for some of his most impressive performances this season.
Jackson Macenko strapped into his sprint car before he practices. - Jack Kessler Photo
Macenko turned heads earlier in the year with a runner-up finish at Anderson at the Glen Niebel Classic in April, showcasing both speed and maturity on one of the toughest bullrings in the country. That podium finish marked a career-best performance in Tour competition and solidified him as one to watch whenever the series returned to the quarter-mile.
In addition to his podium run, Macenko has collected multiple Top 5 and Top 10 finishes in 2025, earning him a spot inside the Top 10 in the championship standings heading into the seasons final two races. His ability to adapt quickly to Anderson’s unique demands — where precision, patience, and aggression must all work in balance — has made him one of the most consistent drivers at the track this year.
For a young driver competing against veterans like Dakoda Armstrong, Tyler Roahrig, and Kody Swanson, Macenko’s results at Anderson Speedway stand out as a clear sign of his potential. His smooth driving style, combined with his ability to stay composed in heavy traffic, has earned him both respect in the pit area and support from fans in the grandstands.
Tony Elliott Classic Event Information:
An optional practice will be contested on Friday, October 3 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm. On Saturday, October 4 spectator gates open at 2:30pm with Racing to begin at 6:00pm. Along with the 500 Sprint Car Tour, Kenyon Midgets, Midwest Champ Karts, and Legends will compete at Anderson Speedway. Tickets for Saturday's event at Anderson Speedway are available in advance at www.andersonspeedway.com. Tickets will also be available at the gate.
The 2025 500 Sprint Car Tour season will see nine point earning events across a ten race schedule from early April to mid October. The 77th Annual Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by UAW will once again be a non-points earning event for the series, filling out the ten race schedule in its traditional Memorial Day Weekend slot. All races, including the 77th Annual Unified Group Services Little 500, will be streamed LIVE on DIRTVision. For more information on the 500 Sprint Car Tour visit: 500sprintcartour.com and be sure to follow on social media (Facebook: 500 Sprint Car Tour | Twitter (X): @500SprintTour | Instagram: @500sprintcartour).
