Special Motorsports Event - Stewart, Allmendinger, Dillon Enter Inaugural Indy Karting Classic

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 4, 2011: Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will lead a team of NASCAR drivers who will compete against a team of INDYCAR drivers in the inaugural Indy Karting Classic on Sunday, Dec. 11, at Conseco Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis.

The Indy Karting Classic is a one-day festival of karting that will bring the third annual International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS) to a close. IMIS is a three-day trade show featuring seminars, conferences and hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest and greatest in racing parts and technology. The third annual IMIS event is scheduled for Dec. 8-10 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis

Now in its third year, the 2011 edition of IMIS marks the debut of the Indy Karting Classic, which features more than five different karting classes competing throughout the day, culminating with the NASCAR vs. INDYCAR race. In addition, throughout the day, the Conseco Fieldhouse concourse will be filled with karting industry displays manned by representatives from karting tracks, manufacturers and suppliers.

“Competitive karting remains one of the most pure forms of motorsports, so I’m looking forward to getting in a kart and racing some of the INDYCAR guys,” said Stewart, who has World Karting Association and International Karting Association titles on his resume. “The Indy Karting classic is shaping up to be a cool day for karting enthusiasts. It should be a fun spectator event, as well.”

Joining Stewart on the NASCAR team are fellow Sprint Cup driver A.J. Allmendinger and current NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Austin Dillon, who is the grandson of Sprint Cup car owner Richard Childress. More NASCAR drivers and the INDYCAR team of drivers will be announced in the near future.