Dave Darland

David Lee Darland (born September 4, 1966) in Kokomo, Indiana, is an American auto racing driver who was the 1997 USAC Silver Crown Champion, 1999 USAC National Sprint Car Champion, and 2001 and 2002 USAC National Midget Champion, making him one of only six drivers to claim all three USAC National Championships. Race wins include the 2007 & 2013 Turkey Night Grand Prix, a Southern California traditional race held on Thanksgiving Day for many years, and three wins at the Oval Nationals, held at Perris Auto Speedway in Perris, California. On August 7, 2015, Darland won his 100th USAC event at Amsoil Speedway in Superior, Wisconsin. As of July 25, 2020, his 20 Indiana Sprint Week race wins are the most in the series history (since 1988).[1] As of September 26, 2020, he is the winningest driver in USAC Sprint Car history.[2]

Darland in 2003 at Indianapolis Raceway Park
Darland racing at Kokomo Speedway in 2007
Darland's Sprint Car at Kokomo in 2018

Awards
  • 2017 National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductee
  • 2015 Thomas J. Schmeh Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Sport
  • 2015 Mike Curb Super License Award
  • 2011 Won the King of Indiana Sprint Series title
  • 2008 Won The Bob Darland Memorial Race in honor of his father.
  • 2007 Indiana Sprintweek Champion
  • 2002 USAC National Midget Series Champion[3]
  • 2001 USAC National Midget Series Champion
  • 2001 Indiana Sprintweek Champion
  • 1999 USAC National Sprint Car Series Champion
  • 1999 HARF "Driver of the Year"
  • 1997 USAC Silver Crown Series Champion
  • 1997 HARF Co-"Driver of the Year" with Tony Stewart
  • 1995 USAC Silver Crown Series "Most Improved Driver"
  • 1994 HARF "Driver of the Year"

His personality and popularity with fans has earned him the nickname "The People's Champ"

References
  1. "Indiana Sprint Week at Lawrenceburg". Indiana Speed Week. Event occurs at 20:08. FloRacing.
  2. "Double Double - Kokomo". USAC National Sprint Cars. September 26, 2020. Event occurs at 22:51. FloRacing.
  3. Glick, Shav (April 25, 2003). "Kahne Hopes Double Duty Results in First Busch Win". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 31 March 2010.


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