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   500 SPRINT CAR TOURMUST SEE RACING

500 SPRINT CAR TOUR

http://www.500sprintcartour.com

The yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour was created out of a shared desire to grow and preserve the legacy of pavement non-wing sprint car racing. Founded and managed by Anderson Speedway, the Tour continues the track’s long-standing commitment to showcasing the most thrilling and competitive open-wheel racing in the Midwest.

 

 

 

Ryan Newman Set for Return to Little 500

jack kessler

Anderson, Indiana (March 25, 2026) — Veteran standout Ryan Newman will once again tackle one of pavement racing’s toughest challenges, as he officially enters the Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by ED Martin Automotive Group. He brings with him one of the most accomplished resumes in American motorsports.

A native of South Bend, Indiana, Newman rose through the ranks with a reputation for engineering precision and raw speed. A Purdue University engineering graduate, he quickly made a name for himself in NASCAR.  Over the course of his career, Newman has recorded 18 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with more than 50 pole positions, consistently competing at the highest level of stock car racing for over two decades.

His biggest triumph came in 2008 with a victory in the Daytona 500, one of the sport’s most prestigious events. Newman also contended for a championship in 2014, finishing second in the final standings, further solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s toughest and most consistent competitors.

Despite his success on NASCAR’s biggest stages, Newman has never strayed far from his Midwestern roots or his passion for short track racing. That passion continues to bring him back to the Little 500 at Anderson Speedway. A race known for its 500-lap grind, live pit stops, and unmatched intensity in pavement sprint car competition.

Newman will make his fourth career start in the Little 500, having previously competed in 2022, 2024, and 2025. His best performance came in 2024, when he raced to a strong sixth-place finish against a deep and competitive field. Each appearance has added to his experience in the unique event, as he continues to pursue a breakthrough run in the historic race.

Little 500 legend and nine-time winner, Eric Gordon, will once again lead the charge for Ryan Newman. Gordon, who has been a cornerstone of the team, keeps the car in Indiana and meticulously fine-tunes it for every race. His expertise and experience at the Little 500 make him an invaluable asset as Newman aims to add another strong finish to his impressive record.

For the 2026 edition, Newman will be backed by primary sponsor Ed Martin Ford, with additional support from Finzer Roller, Bobcat Company, and Lucas Oil.

With his combination of experience, mechanical knowledge, and relentless determination, Newman’s return adds even more depth to an already stacked field. As the laps wind down on the 500-lap classic, don’t be surprised to see the Indiana native in the mix, continuing his pursuit of a Little 500 victory.

The 78th Unified Group Little 500 presented by ED Martin Automotive Group week begins Wednesday May 20 for practice. CB Fabricating Pole Day is Thursday, May 21, and Bump Day is Friday, May 22. The historic 500 lap race is scheduled to start at 8:00pm on Saturday, May 23. Fans unable to attend in person can watch racing live on Racing America. Click Here to Purchase Tickets today. 

 

 

One Goal in Mind: Bobby Santos III Targets Little 500 and Full-Season Success

rick kimball

As the calendar inches closer to the start of the 2026 yourBIGplans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour season, Bobby Santos III isn’t reinventing the wheel—he’s refining it.

After a steady offseason centered on fine-tuning rather than wholesale changes, Santos enters the year with a quiet confidence. With the prestigious Unified Group Services Little 500 circled firmly on his calendar, the veteran driver believes his team is better positioned than it has been in recent seasons.

“I feel like we’ve had a good offseason,” Santos said. “I’m optimistic that we’re in a better spot with our race car than we have been the last couple years. I’m excited. I think we’re prepared, and I’m really hoping we can unload with more speed than we’ve had.”

In 2026, that preparation comes with added commitment. Santos and DJ Racing intend to compete in every event on the 500 Sprint Car Tour schedule, signaling a full-season focus with a clear emphasis on consistency and championship contention.

At the center of it all remains the Unified Group Services Little 500.

While the full schedule is on the radar, Santos has made it clear the crown jewel event carries special importance.

“That’s the one I’ve got circled,” he said. “But we’re focused on being strong everywhere. Running the full schedule, you’ve got to be competitive week in and week out.”

Now firmly one of the seasoned veterans in the field, Santos’ approach has evolved over time. Once guided closely by his father in the shop, he now shoulders the responsibility of car preparation himself. A transition that has strengthened his understanding of the craft.

“At first that was harder, but I feel like I’ve learned and come a long way,” Santos explained. “And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how important it is to be in good shape. I take pride in being able to compete physically, even against the younger guys.”

That mindset began to pay dividends last season.

A breakthrough victory at Toledo Speedway highlighted Santos’ 2025 campaign and marked a turning point. After a disappointing run in the Little 500, the team regrouped, made adjustments, and found consistency across multiple tracks.

“Winning Toledo was definitely the highlight,” he said. “But really from that point on, I felt like we had decent speed and were competitive everywhere we went.”

Strong finishes at Salem Speedway and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park further reinforced that progress. At IRP in particular, Santos believes the team uncovered something valuable. Something he’s eager to build on, even if the return trip doesn’t come until the fall.

“I think we found something there last October that we can carry forward,” Santos said. “I’m excited to go back and feel like we can be even better.”

While Santos is focused on his own performance, he’s equally aware of the rising level of competition across the 500 Sprint Car Tour. With a growing list of contenders capable of winning on any given night, the margin for error continues to shrink.

“From winning a race to running eighth is a pretty fine line now,” he noted. “That’s how competitive it’s become. But I love it, it brings out the best in me.”

Behind the scenes, Santos continues to rely on the unwavering support of his family. His parents remain a constant presence at the racetrack, playing integral roles in the operation.

“I don’t think they’ve missed a race since 2019,” Santos said. “My mom helps keep everything organized, and my dad is someone I can always rely on for setup and ideas. I’d probably be lost without them.”

That same sense of loyalty extends to longtime car owner Dick Fieler, with whom Santos enters his 11th season. Their enduring partnership is a rarity in motorsports—and one Santos doesn’t take for granted.

“To have a relationship like that in racing is unbelievable,” he said. “Dick loves sprint car racing and gives me every tool to succeed. I’m very lucky to be part of it.”

With a strengthened notebook, a full-season commitment, and a renewed focus on the sport’s biggest stage, Santos’ outlook for 2026 can be summed up in a single word:

 

MUST SEE RACING

http://www.msrxtreme.com

 

 

MUST SEE RACING CHANGES HANDS

 
March 25, 2026 - Holly, Michigan - Must See Racing CEO and President Jim Hanks today announced that he has sold his sprint car series and will step away from the day-to-day operations of the series effectively immediately. The timing of the sale comes less than six weeks before the opening weekend is set to kick off the sixteenth season of racing for the 410-winged asphalt sprint car series.

Long time Must See Racing official Tony Roberts now assumes ownership of the series. The Indiana native began his tenure in auto racing in an official's capacity in the early1990's while living in California. His brother Dan Robets was working at Ventura Raceway. He was heading up a local karting club that raced at the track and asked Tony for a hand.

Born in Bloomington, Indiana, Roberts moved to Bakersfield, California after a stint in the United States Air Force.in the late 1980's.

Shortly after his Ventura Raceway stint, Roberts landed a job with the USAC Western States Series. During his tenure with the USAC, he held several prominent roles within the series under the tutelage of Tommy Hunt.

After moving back to the Midwest in 2013 Roberts took a position of Track Director with Must See Racing at the Urging of Bill Shipman. He was immediately impressed with 410-winged pavement sprint car racing noting that it was exciting and captivating. 

He has been involved with multiple racing series over the years that have included a variety of race cars including Go Karts, 410-winged sprint cars, midgets, USAC Silver Crown cars, and super modifieds among others. He has worked at tracks ranging in size from a quarter mile to one mile in length.

 
"It's an honor to be able to acquire such a historic series" stated Roberts. "Jim Hanks has done a remarkable job establishing a brand-name brand with great drivers and exciting racing. I already have a great relationship with the teams from my time as an official. I hope to honor the traditions and build on what Jim and Nancy have established for years to come".

Hanks, 78, caught the racing bug as a small child while attending races at Motor City Speedway in Detroit. He instantly caught the racing bug and soon began racing Go Karts. He would purchase sprint cars and USAC Silver Crown cars in the mid 1990's. His cars were a regular staple at USAC Sprint Car, USAC Silver Crown, and Super Sprints events. Notable drivers include Kevin Feeney, Aaron Pierce, Mike Ling, and Curt Shumaker.

Hanks, along with his wife Nancy of 56 years, founded Must See Racing as a motorsport's television production entity in 2008. He produced tape delayed racing broadcasts for Fox Sports Network in the early years. He ultimately sought to bring winged pavement sprint car events regularly into the homes and televisions of millions.

After difficulties convincing two rival series to work together in an effort to produce sufficient car counts for his nationally televised events, Hanks decided to form his own series so he could have control of every aspect of his events from start to finish. He believed creating his own series was essential to producing quality winged pavement sprint car events for national television audiences.

In 2011 the Must See Racing Sprint Series was born. The series had a strong presence in the Midwest. The Holly, Michigan based series has competed in 13 different states to date. The sanctioning body has also included Super Modifieds and 602 Crate Sprint Cars under its umbrella in the past. MSR sanctioned and televised the Little 500 from 2012-2020.

Two events that stand out in MSR's sixteen-year history was a one-off non-wing sprint car event at Lucas Oil Raceway in Brownsburg, Indiana. That event saw 27 cars take the green flag during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic year. Kody Swanson won the event that was televised on MAVTV.

On October 1, 2011, MSR visited Bristol Motor Speedway for the only time winged pavement sprint cars visited the legendary high-banked half-mile speedway. Brain Gerster won that $10,000 event and still today holds the all-time track record with a lap of 12.742-seconds (150+ mph).

“For over thirty years I have been blessed with the privilege to participate as a car owner and as the founder and owner of Must See Racing which has been an important business endeavor and a responsibility to best represent our sport providing racing entertainment for the fans and value for the teams, tracks, sponsors and all the stakeholders.

Positively contributing to racing has been important and a key part of my life however, I must immediately and unconditionally retire from the business of racing for the wellbeing of my family, my health and the future of MSR.

My gratitude for the business and personal support over the years is beyond measure and I thank everyone ...our staff, the teams, tracks, multimedia partners, sponsors, fans and most importantly my wife Nancy.

Moving forward under the direction and management of the experienced and capable hands of long time MSR official Tony Roberts the future of Must See Racing is strong, very strong. “

An impressive 2026 schedule is already in place that includes three $10,000-to-win events and a first-ever trip to Canada on August 7. For more info, please visit http://www.mustseeracing.com. 


 

 

News, information and updates about the all new MUST SEE RACING will soon be available and provided by Tony Roberts.

 

   500 SPRINT CAR TOURMUST SEE RACING
   
   

2026 500 Sprint Car Tour Schedule

April 18           Anderson Speedway   Anderson, Indiana

May 20-23       Anderson Speedway   Anderson, Indiana

June 14            Toledo Speedway        Toledo, Ohio

June 28            Winchester Speedway            Winchester, Indiana

July 11  Jennerstown Speedway         Jennerstown, Pennsylvania

August 1          Owosso Speedway      Ovid, Michigan

August 15        Salem Speedway         Salem, Indiana

August 28        Berlin Raceway           Marne, Michigan

September 26 Anderson Speedway   Anderson, Indiana

October 17      Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park Brownsburg, Indiana

 

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