1986 - Bettenhausen to Hewitt

 

Jack Hewitt won the USAC Silver Crown "Tony Bettenhausen 100" at the Springfield Mile. - Ken Coles Photo

Springfield, Ill. (August 16, 1986) – Jack Hewitt grabbed the lead on lap 29 and went on to capture the USAC Sliver Crown Championship Series’ Tony Bettenhausen 100 Saturday at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Gary Bettenhausen jumped into the lead from his outside front row starting position and paced the first 19 laps before Hewitt tasted the lead for the first time. Eight laps later, Bettenhausen found himself back out front.

But one lap later, Hewitt took over for good. A caution for a Danny Milburn spin on lap 72 and another when Duke Cook hit the wall in turn one on lap 83 bunched up the field. Hewitt managed to stay out front on both ensuing restarts and went on to score the victory.

Chuck Gurney took second ahead of Larry Rice, Rick Hood, and Bobby Olivero.


Results –

1. Jack Hewitt
2. Chuck Gurney
3. Larry Rice
4. Ricky Hood
5. Bobby Olivero
6. Warren Mockler
7. Brent Kaeding
8. Tom Bigelow
9. Manny Rockhold
10.Leon Thickstun
11.Steve Chassey
12.Andy Hillenberg
13.Greg Staab
14.Terry Kawell
15.Randy Standridge