As USAC gears up for its fourth race and the inaugural crown race of the 2024 season following three Sprint races, attention turns to memorable moments from previous events. Last year’s Silver Crown race took center stage recently when USAC shared a video highlighting a last-lap maneuver that altered the race’s outcome.
Go where they're not! ⏩@kaylee11b went topside in a late-race charge in last year's USAC Silver Crown race at @ToledoSpeedway.
Bryson took 6th at the line in a memorable effort.
Fresh off her first Trans Am win last weekend, she now eyes her first USAC win Saturday @ Toledo. pic.twitter.com/S8VYsPnWg0
— USAC Racing (@USACNation) April 18, 2024
Among the notable drivers making waves in USAC is Kaylee Bryson, who set her sights on capturing Rookie of the Year honors. With determination and skill, Bryson pursued her goal throughout the season. By the year’s end, she had achieved her objective, solidifying her place in the history books as a noteworthy addition to USAC’s legacy.
Kaylee Bryson’s Dominating Performance
Kaylee Bryson, hailing from Muskogee, Oklahoma, made waves with her impressive performance throughout the season. She completed three USAC Silver Crown feature races with Sam Pierce Racing (SPR) in 2022, including a career-defining performance on the Springfield Mile. Despite a broken rocker arm early in the race, she dominated the Bettenhausen 100 by qualifying on the front row, leading 72 laps, and finishing fifth with only seven cylinders.
Kaylee Bryson’s consistency and determination paid off. As one of only five drivers to start all 11 series feature events in 2023, she secured a fifth-place finish in the overall standings. But her achievement went beyond points – she became the first Oklahoman to be named USAC Silver Crown’s top Rookie and the first woman to earn Rookie of the Year honors in the 68-year history of the United States Auto Club (USAC).
Bryson’s accomplishment is not just about racing; it’s about breaking barriers. She shattered gender norms by becoming the first woman to finish inside the top five of the point standings in a USAC National series. Her dedication to taking care of equipment and consistently running at the finish in 10 out of 11 events showcased her team’s hard work and determination.
