“Obviously when you start out it is like a full dirt sprint car and then as the race goes along you use the steering wheel a lot,” Swanson said. “I still try to use the steering wheel more than the pedals. That‘s a style that fits me. Then in longer races I love that you are never out of it. There are times when a guy‘s car is a little better than yours, but if you can manage the race better you can be there at the end. I have learned to enjoy them. I have been fortunate to drive some good cars with some really talented and legendary people and mechanics.”
The history of the division has attracted many.
“Some of my first racing memories were going with my dad to watch Jimmy Sills at the Sacramento mile (Cal Expo),” Grant said. “To compete on a mile in a champ dirt car is a childhood dream come true for me. To be able to win on a mile is really neat and something I will cherish.”
Tyler also knows how big it is to capture a race at one of these historic ovals.
“When you win at Springfield or Du Quoin and you look at the people who have won there over the years there is history there,” he said. “And I think some of these young kids don‘t understand the history and what these races really mean. Just think about who has been there and what they have done.” Summing it all up, Coons said, “Winning a Silver Crown race is big, but winning on a mile is so much bigger.”