By GRACE KILLION
Sheridan High School Student
Editor’s Note: The Sheridan Student Column is brought to readers by Sheridan High School’s 10th grade English class, taught by Abby Williams.
As everyone knows, Indiana is the racing capital of the world. Indiana is home to many famous races and drivers of all kinds. According to defensivedriving.com, one of the most famous open-wheel asphalt races is the Indianapolis 500, held in the month of May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
There are many tracks throughout the state, dirt and asphalt. Throughout the years, Silver Crown, sprint car, micro sprints and midgets have all gained much more fame.
In 1946, the very first Hoosier 100 took place at the State Fairgrounds. According to racingnews.com, in 2019 the state of Indiana came to a decision to take out the mile-long dirt oval at the State Fairgrounds and make it a limestone track for horse racing, meaning the Hoosier 100 has come to an end.
According to floracing.com, in 1946, the beginning of a new racing era entered Indiana. Dirt racing has been around for hundreds of years, and in 1946 the big Hoosier 100 was introduced. The Hoosier was the big USAC race that led right up to the Indy 500. Many known racers, such as A. J. Foyt, Bryan Clauson and Mario Andretti, would run both the Hoosier 100 and the Indy 500. All the past Hoosier 100 drivers can no longer look forward to the annual race held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This is due to Indiana believing horse racing is more important than holding the biggest USAC race, the Hoosier 100. Indiana has always been known for its amazing auto racing, but not horse racing.
I was around six when I first learned about the amazing world of motorsports in Indiana. I am now 15 and I still have never heard of a major horse race in Indiana. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, also known as IMS, does have a dirt track, but it is only a quarter-mile, not a full mile. Along with the major size difference, the IMS track does not run very much. There is only one other mile-long dirt oval in Indiana, but it is used for kart racing. There are many people who don’t want the State Fairgrounds Speedway and the Hoosier 100 to be taken away. I can proudly say I am not a supporter of the decision Indiana has made.
Indianapolis is still the racing capital of the world and home to some of the best drivers, but Indiana will no longer be home to the famous Hoosier 100. One can only hope Indiana doesn’t take away any more of the amazing tracks we have. Hopefully, the month of May will still be as great as it is.
I understand that IMS is still standing and motor racing is still a huge part of Indiana, but the real question is for how much longer. The Hoosier 100 is the dirt race equivalent to the asphalt Indy 500. Does that mean years from now IMS will also become a limestone track for horse racing?