By Quintin Harlan, Herald Bulletin Sports Writer
ANDERSON — Once again, the Mayor’s Cup Grand Prix provided plenty of racing action for fans while raising money for local charities.
The race is the premier event put on by the Anderson Sertoma club, with money raised going to worthwhile causes such as Special Olympics, the Gateway Association and a Little League team sponsored by Sertoma.
Seven weeks ago, though, there wasn’t even a site confirmed to host the 15th annual race. But the work put in by organizers Don Hartman, Terry Riggins and others was rewarded with a day of racing that pleased the crowd on hand.
“It’s all worth it when we give that $10,000 check to the Gateway Association,” said Hartman of the payoff that the organizers get from their hard work. “The racers seemed to enjoy the weather today. I was pleased with the way the weather went, it was a big break.”
“The city has been amazing to us,” Riggins said. “They’ve never said no. It was always ‘When do you need it?’ We’re all gonna go home tired. But this was as spectator friendly event as we’ve ever put on.”
Driver Scott Hamble has competed in every Mayor’s Cup Grand Prix during the 15 years the race has existed. He took home three top-five finishes on the day.
“It’s an excellent event; Terry puts on a great show,” Hambell said. “It’s well worth it. The competition is always great.”
On the track, Shayne Shipley and Jason Burgess were double winners.
Shipley was the top driver in the 125 Shifter and 125 Masters Shifter events.
Jason Lee was second in both of those races. Shipley outdistanced Lee in the 125 Shifter by 1.4 seconds. In the Masters Shifter race, Shipley’s winning margin was more than four seconds.
“Obviously it’s good to pick up wins in both classes,” Shipley said. “I wish we’d had a few more entries to help the event out, help Terry out. But it was still a good day.”
Burgess was the top driver in the Yamaha Senior Sportsman race and the Yamaha Can Pro event.
He won the Sportsman event by more than 10 seconds. The Can Pro race was a closer margin of victory, with Burgess taking first by .250 seconds.
“It was great guys and great competition,” Burgess said. “I’m looking forward to coming back next year.”
Other winners included Jack Miller in the Kid Kart event, Karl Webber in the Junior 1 2 Cycle race, Cameron Smock in the Rotax Junior event, Kyle Ludwick in the Yamaha/HPV Pipe race and Rich Hale in the TaG Masters TaG Senior Rotax final.
The plans for the 16th annual running of the event were unveiled with the announcement that next year’s Mayor’s Cup Grand Prix will be at Hoosier Park.
“I’m looking forward to going to Hoosier Park,” Riggins said.
“Terry does a great job of making everyone comfortable,” Burgess said. “I’m looking forward to coming back and going to the casino.”
