Infield dirt track, USAC Midgets set for Indianapolis Motor Speedway return

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will retain a dirt track in the infield inside Turn 3 and will once again welcome the USAC National Midget Series in the days leading up to the NASCAR Brickyard 400 weekend.

The Driven2SaveLives BC39 will return to IMS on September 4 and 5.

The event will continue to honor late USAC champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 starter Bryan Clauson and increase awareness of and participation in the Indiana Donor Network and Driven2SaveLives.

In the immediate aftermath of the event, speedway president Doug Boles called it a success and it is reflected in his desire to pursue a follow-up.

"The Driven2SaveLives BC39 powered by NOS Energy Drink was a spectacular event for everyone involved, putting talented short-track racers and teams from across America into a richly deserved spotlight," Boles said. "There were memories made for a lifetime both nights, and everyone at IMS is so happy to see this event return in 2019 as part of Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard weekend.

"We're especially grateful that the BC39 raised so much awareness for the Driven2SaveLives campaign and honored the memory of Bryan Clauson, an extraordinary race driver who was an even better person. We will continue to work hard to ensure this event carries on the incredible legacy of BC through the Indiana Donor Network."

Two-time USAC National Champion Brady Bacon won the 39-lap feature race to earn the richest purse in recent Midget racing history. The race sold out the infield grandstands even after the main event was shortened due to heavy afternoon rain.

Dirt and asphalt racers from around the country competed in the inaugural running, with an all-time record entry of 118 Midget cars. Competitors included NASCAR stars Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Christopher Bell and Landon Cassill, IndyCar Series regular Conor Daly and eight former USAC Midget national champions.

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