What Is 2019 USAC Silver Crown Series

Overview

The 2019 USAC Silver Crown Series marked the 48th season of one of America's premier open-wheel racing championships. It uniquely combined dirt and pavement ovals, distinguishing it from other single-seater series. The season emphasized versatility, testing drivers on both track types across the Midwest.

Organized by the United States Auto Club (USAC), the series featured a compact 7-race schedule. Despite its limited number of events, it attracted top-tier open-wheel talent, including veterans and rising stars. The championship awarded points based on finishing position, with consistency crucial for title contention.

• Kody Swanson claimed his fifth straight title, becoming the first driver to achieve this feat in Silver Crown history.
• The season kicked off on May 25, 2019, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, a 1-mile dirt oval in Springfield.
• Seven total races were held, including four on dirt and three on pavement, highlighting driver adaptability.
• Justin Grant won the series' only pavement race at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Illinois.
• The Belleville High Banks in Kansas hosted the season's longest race: a 100-mile dirt oval event.

How It Works

The USAC Silver Crown Series operates under a unique blend of rules and track types, making it distinct within American open-wheel racing. It bridges the gap between midgets and IndyCar, using heavier chassis and larger engines.

• Chassis Type: Silver Crown cars use a DRC chassis with a 410-cubic-inch Offenhauser engine producing over 700 horsepower.
• Track Diversity: The series races on both dirt and paved ovals, requiring drivers to adjust techniques between surfaces.
• Points System: Drivers earn points based on finishing position, with winners receiving 300 points and decreasing down to 100 for 20th.
• Qualifying Format: Time trials determine starting order, with the fastest driver awarded 5 bonus points.
• Championship Tiebreaker: In case of a points tie, the driver with more wins is declared champion; if equal, most top-fives breaks the tie.
• Eligibility: All drivers must hold a current USAC license, and cars must pass rigorous safety inspections before each event.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2019 Silver Crown Series differed significantly from other USAC series in format, vehicle design, and race length.

This comparison shows how the Silver Crown Series occupies a niche between sprint cars and IndyCar. While smaller in race count, it demands high versatility due to mixed surface racing. Its car specifications and historical roots give it a unique place in American motorsports.

Why It Matters

The 2019 USAC Silver Crown Series played a vital role in preserving traditional open-wheel racing in the U.S. It offered a platform for drivers to showcase skills on historic tracks and maintained continuity in American motorsport heritage.

• Prestigious Tracks: The series raced at iconic venues like Terre Haute and Toledo, preserving motorsport history.
• Driver Development: Many participants also competed in IndyCar or NASCAR, using Silver Crown for off-season practice.
• Historic Significance: The Silver Crown series dates back to 1971, making it one of the longest-running U.S. open-wheel championships.
• Media Exposure: Races were broadcast on Speed51 and FloRacing, increasing accessibility for fans.
• Regional Appeal: The Midwest-centric schedule supported local racing economies and fanbases.
• Technical Challenge: Switching between dirt and pavement twice a season tested mechanical and driving adaptability.

By blending tradition with modern competition, the 2019 season reinforced the series’ importance in the American racing landscape.