The Legacy of the Winchester 400: One of Racing's Crown Jewels
Photo Courtesy of: Koty Geyer
October 11th, 2023
2023 Winchester 400 Entry List
Next stop behind the wheel of his enviable Donnie Wilson Motorsports #28 ride, Maritime Racer Cole Butcher's schedule takes him to the prestigious Winchester 400 in Indiana, an oval where names are etched into racing folklore.
The Winchester 400 is for many a turning point in the year; it's a cornerstone of what many enthusiasts term the 'big race season'. Positioned alongside illustrious races like the All American 400 in November and the Snowball Derby in December, the Winchester 400, held in October, stands tall as one of the undisputed Crown Jewels of asphalt, template-bodied Super Late Model racing.
For many, especially those hailing from the US Northeast, the Oxford 250 also holds a revered position, often deemed a crown jewel in its own right. While there are several marquee races in the world of racing that aficionados might argue deserve this esteemed title, there's an unequivocal consensus regarding the eminence of the Winchester 400.
A Storied History:
Since its inception in 1970, at the iconic Winchester Speedway (one of the oldest oval tracks in the world, debuting as a Clay oval in 1916, and seeing Mount Rushmore of Motorsports racers like Jeff Gordon take to its surface over the years) this event has cemented its significance in the world of short-track racing. For enthusiasts and racers alike, these exceptionally high banks represent a dream, a challenge, and a rite of passage where the narrative is not just a tale of racers battling against each other, but against the track, against time, and against the weight of history that comes with it.
Originating as an American Speed Association (ASA) event, the Winchester 400 has seen several transitions. It became a part of the NASCAR Southeast Series from 1992 to 1998 (a now defunct, NASCAR-sanctioned amateur/semi-pro late model stock car racing series that was based in the Southeastern United States), returned to the ASA National Tour up until 2002, and has been a proud feather in the cap of the ASA/Championship Racing Association (CRA) Super Series Powered by JEGS since 2003. As the wheels of time turn, 2023 will see it co-sanctioned by the ASA STARS National Tour in its much-anticipated return. More ASA sanctioned races have taken place at Winchester, than at any other race track.
1970s:
First won by Dave Sorg in a Ford Mercury, the 1970s would quickly witness dominance from Michigan native, and 1990 ASA National Series champion Bob Senneker, winning 5 of the Winchester 400's that decade. To reign in the new decade, his brother Terry Senneker, Sr. had to grab the win in 1980, himself. An iconic racer of the famous Marne, Michigan track Berlin Raceway, Terry (RIP) put the stamp on the family legacy initiated by Bob.
1980s:
If the 1970s didn't bring the Winchester 400 into prominence, the 1980s sure did. Highlighted generously by feature winners and pole sitters such as: Mark Martin, Bob Senneker again, Ted Musgrave, Rusty Wallace, Kenny Wallace, Butch Miller, Dick Trickle, and the holder of the most ASA National Series championships, Mike Eddy (with 7 titles). Some of the best names in all of short-track racing history, and beyond, made their mark here, during that time. Take Mark Martin for example: cutting his teeth in the ranks of ASA, he would go to victory lane at the conclusion of a tenure filled out by: 22 features wins, and 4 championship titles, including 3 in a row. Add in 2 Winchester 400 victories, and too many other accolades to count, all without mentioning his second most ever NASCAR Xfinity Series wins (49) distinction, his 40 NASCAR Cup Series wins, and his place in both the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
1990s:
1990 saw Bob Senneker again take the win, far along at this point towards his ASA National win total of 85 feature victories, the all time record. This decade saw names like Jeff Fultz, future crew-chief of Chase Elliot, Chandler Smith, and Jake Garcia, as well as an ace wheel-man himself: Ricky Turner, Mike Cope who finessed his way into winning three years in a row, 2-time All American 400 winner, and 21 ASA National feature winner Mike Garvey, and Snowball Derby winner Wayne Anderson.
2000s:
For some younger fans, the familiarity will start to pick-up even more as we get into the 2000s and beyond, kicking off the new millennium was Gary St. Amant, who like so many others who performed strongly in the Winchester 400, has won it multiple-times. Twice in St. Amant’s case, matching his 2 Snowball Derby victories, and his 2 ASA National Series championship titles across an ASA career that saw him win 21 features. Accompanying many heavy hitters from prior years, and a then emerging legend Kyle Busch, who would win the feature in 2009 after 4 previous attempts, there were also other prominent figures that have a lasting impact to this day, such as Chris Wimmer, of Wimmer Motorsports. Aside from accolades like operating State Park Speedway, Wimmer crew-chiefed for current NASCAR Cup Series racer Harrison Burton, son of legend Jeff Burton, and has fielded/does field cars for names like Erik Jones, Jesse Love, and Sammy Smith.
2010s:
The stage for the 2010s was set-off by none other than current NASCAR most popular driver Chase Elliot, it was won 3 years in a row by Erik Jones, and had star drivers Travis Braden, Noah Grason, Jeff Choquette, and Stephen Nasse win in consecutive years. Jeff Choquette's 2018 victory was punctuated by one of the greatest battles ever seen, between him and then youngster Chandler Smith.
2020-Current:
The current decade has only just begun, but it has started off red hot: Top NASCAR prospect and rising superstar Carson Hocevar, and youngest NASCAR Xfinity series winner Sammy Smith were credited with their first Winchester 400 wins, and a 2nd win from polarizing Late Model Superstar Stephen Nasse. Before next Monday, another name will be added to that list, and will be presented with the unique Winchester Rifle trophy (seen here, held by Stephen Nasse).
Complete List of Winchester 400 Winners
Exploring CRA:
Co-founded by Glenn Luckett & RJ Scott, CRA has numerous divisions, and has fallen under numerous banners: CRA Super Series (1997-1998, 2005-2011); CRA Kendall Late Model Series (1999-2001); CRA Sunoco Super Series (2002-2004); ARCA/CRA Super Series (2012); ARCA/CRA Super Series Powered by JEGS (2013-2022); and now ASA/CRA Super Series Powered by JEGS (2023), as one of the ASA regional series, which sees several of its biggest races on the schedule co-sanctioned by the ASA Stars National Tour series.
Running anywhere from Indiana, North Carolina, Michigan, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and potentially beyond, iconic and historic race tracks are the hallmark of the Super Series. Examples: Jennerstown Speedway, in Pennsylvania (Opened in 1927). Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, former NASCAR Cup Series track (with talks of bringing it back), as well as former, and now once again, ASA National Season finale (All American 400) track. Current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series track: Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. Anderson Speedway, Indiana - home of ASA/CRA Super Series & ASA STARS National Tour marquee race, the Redbud 400. And recently revived, and long-time NASCAR Cup Series fan-favourite from the past, and now again the future with it’s All Star Race, North Wilkesboro Speedway, North Carolina.
Despite CRA's shorter existence, compared to the Winchester 400, it has been a very strong regional touring series. Canadian Junior Hanley spent the first 3 years of the new millennium capturing the most wins (tied with Scott Hantz in 2000), and notable figures such as Chris Gabehart, current Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR Cup Series crew-chief to future hall of famer, and 3-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, have called the championship title their own. Adding in drivers like Brian Campbell who has 27 Super Series victories (25% win rate), and is overdue for more, All American 400 winner Casey Roderick, and racing prodigy and young, promising NASCAR prospect William Sawalich, and you will find competitive fields at every race.
A name that has seen much dominance in CRA is Johnny VanDoorn, who's driver development program has made its way into Maritime Canada with drivers like Nicholas Naugle, Lonnie Sommerville, and Dylan Blenkhorn sporting VanDoorn Racing Machines. Piloting one of those machines, Naugle himself won a CRA sanctioned race.
Nearing 400 Super Series feature races run, CRA has achieved a lot over its years, and its ASA affiliation signals that this will continue into the foreseeable future. Not restricted to 'just' being one of the strongest asphalt Super Late Model touring series in America, it also hosts a stout Pro Late Model Touring Series: The JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance, a Late Model Sportsmen division, the Vore's Welding CRA Late Model Sportsman Powered by JEGS and last but not least, the CRA Street Stocks Powered by JEGS division. The Pro Late Model series was kicked off with championships by future NASCAR Cup Series crown jewel multi-time winner (Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway) Erik Jones, and NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Daniel Hemric in 2011 & 2012 respectively. Dalton Armstrong, who will be at this year’s Winchester 400, would also go on to take a championship title, along with a Redbud 400 to his name.
What can be expected?
A significant chunk of the race's allure lies in its venue, the Winchester Speedway. Touted as the "World's Fastest 1/2 mile," the track's 37-degree banking is amongst the steepest in motorsports. This unique feature ensures an adrenaline-pumping experience, both for the racers touching dangerous speeds and the spectators whose heartbeats sync with the race's tempo. With seating to accommodate around 5,000 spectators, race day transforms the Speedway into a pulsating amphitheater of roaring engines and cheering fans.
Winchester demands a lot from drivers in terms of skill, bravery, and strategy, and completing 400 laps at such a demanding track is no small feat. Tires, fuel strategy, and managing wear and tear on the car play significant roles. Drivers also need to stay mentally focused throughout the race, as the high banks and tight pack racing can lead to intense on-track battles and potential accidents that will render a race car completely destroyed.
While the Winchester 400 is an event in its own right, its significance is magnified with its association with the CRA Super Series, and now, the ASA STARS National Tour. Debuted in March 2023, the ASA STARS National Tour has redefined current generation Super Late Model racing in America. Stemming from Track Enterprises' acquisitions and partnerships, it harmoniously brings together races from regional pavement Super Late Model Series' under one banner. The Team Construction Winner’s Circle program further amplifies the stakes, providing an additional layer of financial incentive for dedicated teams and drivers.
Amidst this backdrop, enters Cole Butcher, the current ASA STARS National Tour points runner-up. Cole is no stranger to the Winchester 400, making this weekend his second appearance. Standing second in the series, trailing 63 points behind Ty Majeski, Butcher's performance has been nothing short of stellar this year. His victories are numerous outside of ASA, and within, he has a notable win in the Redbud 400 at Anderson Speedway, and five top-five finishes and only one outside of the top-ten through the 8 ASA National races so far contested.
Butcher's debut in the Winchester 400 last year showcased both his skills and grit. Leading for 79 laps and predominantly maintaining a top-five position, his race took a twist with a freak accident. An equipment malfunction led to a crash, but the resilient racer managed to clinch the ninth position. The belief from his team, despite being a humble bunch, was that he had the winning car.
As we gear up for the Winchester 400 on Sunday, October 15th, the stakes are at least as high as ever. Besides being an iconic race, it also wraps up the season for the ASA/CRA Super Series. Additionally, it represents the penultimate ASA National race, with only one more race after, the All American 400. The points championship ramifications of this 400 lap endurance, and test of attrition race are immense. For those eager to witness this spectacle, tickets are a call away. Winchester Speedway Website
ASA Stars Tour Website - Winchester 400 Event Page
In conclusion, the Winchester 400 stands as a testament to race-craft and all other aspects of the discipline, and its significance in the evolving world of the ASA STARS National Tour cannot be over-stated. As we look towards the future, one thing is for sure: the world of super late model stock car racing is in for a thrilling ride, and more chapters of history to be written. The one thing every team shares in common, is that they each have a story, each have a dream, and each have the unyielding desire to conquer the ‘World’s Fastest 1/2 mile’, and be the one to pen the chapter of triumph.
As the days count down to October 15th, the atmosphere is rife with a blend of excitement and tension. So for all enthusiasts out there, mark your calendars, support your favorite racers, and stay tuned to the exhilarating world of racing, and of course, find out just who it will be that cashes out that enormous sized cheque and brings home a rifle.
