After a successful debut in 2018, the Driven2SaveLives BC39 USAC Midget race will return to Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) in 2019.
The 39-lap race is held in honor of three-time USAC Midget and two-time USAC Sprint Car champion Bryan Clauson who lost his life in August 2016 following an accident at Belleville (KS) High-Banks Speedway.
Clauson made three starts in the Indy 500, finishing 30th in 2012, 31st in 2015 and 23rd in 2016.
Scheduled for September 4-5 as the opening event of the Brickyard 400 weekend, the Midget race will kick off five nights of racing.
Last year, Zeb Wise won the opening night’s Stoops Pursuit race with Brady Bacon taking the A-Main on Night 2.
Last year’s race featured 118 cars on the entry list. Representing IndyCar, Conor Daly finished 12th in his qualification race and failed to advance to the A Main.
“The Driven2SaveLives BC39 … was a spectacular event for everyone involved, putting talented short track racers and teams from across America into a richly deserved spotlight,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said in a press release. “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.”
Clauson was a registered donor and following his accident, his organs helped save the life of five individuals.
“Right now, more than 115,000 men, women and children wait for a life-saving organ transplant,” said Kellie Hanner, Indiana Donor Network president and chief executive officer. “Each day, 22 patients die because the organ they needed did not become available in time. Our Driven2SaveLives campaign raises awareness around those who wait and honors donor heroes like Bryan Clauson who saved lives. All of us at Indiana Donor Network are proud to be a part of the BC39 again.”
The Driven2SaveLives BC39 inaugurated the Dirt Track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and started a new chapter in the relationship between the track and USAC. From 1956 through 1997, USAC was the sanctioning body for the Indy 500.
“We were so pleased to see the longtime relationship between the United States Auto Club and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway enter a new era through the inaugural Driven2SaveLives BC39 … last September,” USAC President and CEO Kevin Miller said. “Both nights of racing were among the high points of our season this year, with great action at the new venue generating incredibly positive response from teams, drivers, fans and media.
“We can’t wait to see who will master The Dirt Track next September, and we appreciate the continued partnership with IMS, Driven2SaveLives and NOS to support the legacy of Bryan Clauson.”
Ticket reorders and new applications are being accepted through January 4, 2019 at IMS.com and through the IMS Ticket Office.