WINCHESTER, Ind. – Justin Grant blistered Winchester Speedway with a 120-mph lap to post the quickest time in Sunday afternoon’s open practice for the USAC Silver Crown Series on the half-mile paved oval.
The practice day came ahead of the debut of the big cars at Winchester on May 9.
Grant was one of 12 cars that took an official time during Sunday’s practice. A field of 22 cars and drivers are expected to compete in the Rich Vogler Classic next week.
Grant, the defending series champion, turned heads with his time of 14.997 seconds, translating to an average speed of 120.024 mph.
Bobby Santos was second overall in practice at 15.257 with David Byrne third at 15.493.
Kyle O’Gara timed in fourth at 15.607 and Eric Gordon rounded out the top five at 15.629.
O’Gara turned the most laps during the afternoon session with 95.
Brian Gerster, Travis Welpott, Kyle Robbins, Derek Bischak, Austin Nemire, Patrick Lawson and Hank Lower also took practice runs as well on Sunday.
Shane Cottle did not participate in practice, but will be the pilot of the Curtis Williams-owned No. 81 for race day after Lower, the four-time Sprints on Dirt champ and former track record holder at Winchester, was in the seat for practice.
Those dozen, plus five-time series champion Kody Swanson; series winners Aaron Pierce and Kyle Hamilton; reigning rookie-of-the-year Bryan Gossel; along with Mike Haggenbottom, Dave Berkheimer, Matt Goodnight, rookie Jake Day, Toni Breidinger and Jim Anderson are among those ready to compete in next Sunday’s race.
The times:
1. Justin Grant, 91, Hemelgarn-14.997; 2. Bobby Santos, 22, DJ-15.257; 3. David Byrne, 40, Byrne-15.493; 4. Kyle O’Gara, 1, SFHR-15.607; 5. Eric Gordon, 99, Armstrong-15.629; 6. Brian Gerster, 94, Myers-15.691; 7. Travis Welpott, 18, Welpott-15.732; 8. Kyle Robbins, 7, KR-15.903; 9. Derek Bischak, 131, Bischak-16.119; 10. Austin Nemire, 16, Nemire/Lesko-16.338; 11. Patrick Lawson, 2, Lawson-16.604; 12. Hank Lower, 81, Williams-18.477.