AVON, Ind. — After nearly four decades of racing, Midwest sprint car legend Jon Stanbrough announced Monday via his official website that this season will be his final year as a full-time driver.
Stanbrough, whose career spans 38 years entering 2017, has a long list of accolades over the course of his time in racing.
He is a two-time Midwest Sprint Car Series champion (2012-2013), six-time King of Indiana Sprint Series champion (2003, 2006-2008, 2010, 2012), two-time Indiana Sprint Week champion (2006, 2010), two-time Kokomo Speedway track champion (2003, 2006), four-time Hoosier Auto Racing Fans (HARF) Driver of the Year (2004, 2006-2007, 2010) and two-time National Non-Wing 410 Dirt Driver Of The Year (2006-2007).
For his on-track career, Stanbrough’s major event wins include three Bob Darland Memorial wins at Kokomo, three Robbie Stanley Memorial wins at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and two wins in the Tony Hulman Classic at Terre Haute Action Track. He has 35 career AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Series wins, tied with Rich Vogler for 10th on the all-time series win list.
Stanbrough was inducted into the HARF Hall of Fame in 2011.
Team JSR released a statement on Monday confirming the news, but not calling the end of the road “retirement”.
“After over 38 years of racing, Jon has decided this will be his last full season of racing,” the statement read. “Now, we are not calling this retirement, because as most of you are aware, a driver can never really retire from this career. Jon is one of the best in the business and has many records and achievements to show it. He has had a very rewarding career with many, many great memories! The support from his fans and sponsors has been overwhelming and is what keeps (any) driver going.”
“The cars this year will look a little different, as we will be going back to the very first 81 design that Jon started (racing) with. This car design will be exciting for many that have watched him over the years and will take them back to those first races. This is always a hard decision for a driver to make, but we are looking forward to what life will continue to offer. Our plan is the same as every year prior, to run as many races as possible and to travel when able for our fans. We look forward to seeing all of you and sharing in this special season.”
Stanbrough is not competing during this year’s USAC Winter Games in Florida, a move that the team called “a planned decision.”
He will instead kick off his season in April, according to the team.
About the Writer
Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network.
Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.
The 22-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.
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