Swanson Weaves His Way To First Salem Sprint Car Victory

Swanson Weaves His Way To First Salem Sprint Car Victory

Kody Swanson had visited victory lane at Salem Speedway five times in USAC Silver Crown competition over the years; and even had a Super Late Model win at the Southern Indiana oval in his career going into Saturday night’s Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial.  However, Saturday night would prove to be his first Sprint Car victory at Salem, but it did not come easy.

The reigning Little 500 champion started on the outside front row and led all 50 laps, but it was with Winchester Speedway winner and current points runner-up Jackson Macenko all over his tail tank for the majority of the 50 lap event for his second yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour win of the season.

“I hadn’t won a Sprint Car race here until today.  We’ve been great in Silver Crown over the years but this is my first Sprint Car one,” Swanson said in victory lane.  “We had set quick time each year but hadn’t come away with the trophy yet”

An attempted three-wide move at the start moved Macenko to second by the time the field entered turn one, and the battle for the lead was on.  He and Swanson raced through lapped traffic at a torrid pace as Swanson continued to hold him at bay, even as they were the only two cars on the lead lap at one point during the race.  A late restart inside ten laps to go allowed the two-time 500 Sprint Car Tour champion to pull away late.

Historically having had bad luck during redraws, Swanson was able to pull the number two, which he believes set the stage for the win.

“Jackson (Macenko) was doing a great job, he’s been fast all day.  Him and his team have put together a great car and they kept us honest there.  I’ve had a tough time with these 500 Tour redraws but my buddy Frank pulled it today and put us on the front row.  I don’t think I would’ve been able to do anything with Jackson except follow him around if he got to the lead first.  I think each of us knew that when we went three-wide down the frontstretch at the start. 

“It was a challenge to keep him back there, he was so good at pouncing on lapped traffic opportunities.  He does a great job for someone at any age, but especially as young as he is.”

Fresh off a win at another high banked half-mile at Winchester Speedway last time out in June, Jackson Macenko finished second Saturday night after a fierce battle with Swanson in lapped traffic.

“This place is just so tough to pass, especially when you’re at the same pace as the guy in front of you.  I think Kody was a bit quicker than us so I hate to say it, but I think the right car won.  It was a great race, hats off to Kody and the No.33. they’re a great team.  This second stings but if you’re finishing second to the No.33, you’re not doing too bad.”

One race after a career-best finish at Winchester, Nathan Byrd earns a new best finish once again with his first 500 Sprint Car Tour podium.  Rylan Gray and Justin Harper also had career-best finishes to round out the top-five.

Unfortunately, several teams based out of Central Indiana were unable to make it to Salem Speedway due to flooding that has taken place over the past few days.  Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the recent floods.

The yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour returns to action on Friday, August 28 at Berlin Raceway.

Salem Speedway – Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial Results:

1.        Kody Swanson

2.        Jackson Macenko

3.        Nathan Byrd

4.        Rylan Gray

5.        Justin Harper

6.        Tony McVey

7.    Cord Ehrhart

8.   Brady Allum

9.   Olivia Shelbo

10.  Race Bible