Wanda M.
Yelp
Driven2SaveLives BC39 returned for its second year running Wednesday, Sept. 4 and Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019 at the quarter-mile, clay oval Dirt Track inside Turn 3 at IMS. This event is exciting to watch and a great addition for the currrent 10 days of racing starting with the Labor Day Drags, 2 nights of Dirt Track leading into this weekends Brickyard 400. The race was sold out last year and IMS added 600 additional seats this year which were almost sold out for the second year.
This event is in memory of Brian Clausen who died in a tragic crash in August 2016 but he donated 5 organs saving lives and helped over 75 people with his tissue donation. Even today he extends lives, literally, by inspiring thousands to pledge their organs to save others. Are you an organ donor? If not, please consider.
This is a family friendly event and I get a kick out of watching the younger fans, and adults, get so excited as the cars battle for the win. IMS always brings the best races and the best 90 short-track racers in America to this spectacular USAC Midget National Championship race. Drivers from California, Arizona, New Zealand and many Indiana drivers to name a few.
It's exhilarating watching the cars go three wide in the turns, sliding sideways or drifting through the turns, and battling to the end regardless if it's the hot laps, qualifying or the final DC39 lap race. Kyle Larson was the winner of the thrilling Stoops Pursuit Race on Wednesday. What a finish!! Only three cars were left in the race; last lap, last turn, 2 cars flip (no injuries) at once and the last car remaining wins!! Everyone was on their feet. Congrats Kyle Larson!!
Thursday night was just as exciting with 16 year old, (yes 16!) Zeb Wise, of Angola, IN, winning after a thrilling four lap shootout with his teammates. Wise won $15,000 for his third USAC National Midget victory of the season in the 39BC. $15,000 is the largest payout in midget racing.
If you go to the IMS dirt track midget race know you will get dirty with plenty of dirt thrown from the track. Bring eye protection with some form of glasses, maybe a bandana or mask for dust and a hat or hoodie. The crowd and cars are loud and some prefer to have ear plugs. NO outside alcohol or coolers are allowed at the dirt track. I know! That threw me too but it's a dirt track thing. Yes, it's IMS but no coolers or alcohol at this race. Clear bags with snacks are allowed. Several food and merchandise vendors are onsite.
I hope the fans continue to support the IMS dirt track and these spectacular races continue for years to come.