ANDERSON, Ind. (May 21, 2008) – Four former champions and a talented list of challengers are set for the largest purse ever in the 60th Pay Less Little 500 at Anderson Speedway on Saturday Night, May 24. Over $123,000 will be up for grabs in the richest asphalt Sprint Car race in the country.

The former winners of the prestigious Pay Less Little 500 that are returning this year are led by eight-time winner Eric Gordon, who has won six of the last seven events including last year’s event. Other previous champions that have filed entries include Brian Tyler (2007), three-time Pay Less Little 500 champion Jeff Bloom (1972, 77, 91) and 1996 winner Dave Steele.

Other notable drivers that plan on competing include 2006 pole winner Aaron Pierce, who has been runner-up twice to Gordon in 2004 and 2007. Kokomo’s Shane Cottle earned a front row start in his debut in 2006, but has been plagued by bad luck in the 500. He earned a USAC Sprint feature victory in April at Gas City and ranks eighth in the point standings.

Warsaw’s Tony Elliott will compete in his 15th Little 500. Elliott has notched five top-five finishes with a best finish of third occurring on three occasions. California’s Tim Barber has posted three top-10 finishes in four Little 500 appearances including a fifth-place run last year.

Another Golden State driver, Tony Hunt, of Lincoln, Calif., a three-time champion in the USAC Western Sprint Car series returns this year for his seventh Little 500 appearance. He has produced three top-five performances with a best showing of second in 2004. New York’s Doug Heveron will attempt to make his second consecutive start and fourth overall, while former Rookies of the Year Russ Gamester, Brandon Whited and Mat Nelly are also expected to be part of the Pay Less Little 500.

The format of the 60th Pay Less Little 500 is unique to Sprint Car racing. The starting grid is comprised of thirty-three cars in 11 rows of three, charging to the green flag. Two mandatory pits stops are required during the challenging 500-lap event. Billed as the most entertaining event in auto racing, fans will be filled with anticipation in the most exciting start to a racing event.

First round qualifications for the 60th Pay Less Little 500 will take place on Thursday, May 22, beginning at 1:30 p.m. On Friday afternoon, May 23, the 33-car field will be set with the second round of qualifications. On Saturday, May 24, the 60th Pay Less Little 500 green flag waves at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available for the legendary 60th Pay Less Little 500 at $27 for reserved seating. For more information, contact the Anderson Speedway Ticket Office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For additional information, contact Anderson Speedway at (765) 642-0206 or visit www.andersonspeedway.com.



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