IRP Announces Sprint Race to Honor USAC Legend Roger McCluskey

4 June 1997

USAC LEGEND TO BE HONORED WITH SPRINT RACE AT IRP JUNE 14


INDIANAPOLIS (May 31, 1997) -- Indianapolis Raceway Park will be the
site of the inaugural Roger McCluskey Memorial Sprint Car Classic on
Saturday, June 14.  The event carries McCluskey's name as a tribute to
one of the greatest competitors and most well-respected officials in
the history of motorsports.

McCluskey served as an official for the United States Auto Club from
1979 until his death in 1993 at the age of 63.  He earned immeasurable
respect from persons from all walks of the motorsports industry as a
result of his ability to focus on and successfully solve important
issues, all the while maintaining a fun-loving and good-natured
attitude toward work and life.  He was also an innovator, creating
programs of lasting value such as the Rookie Orientation Program at
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Prior to his career as a USAC official, McCluskey was a very
successful driver.  He was an 18-time Indianapolis 500 competitor, and
lead the race on several occasions.  Among his USAC championship
titles, McCluskey earned the 1973 National Championship, the Sprint
Car Championship in 1963 and 1966 and the Stock Car Championship in
1969 and 1970.  He scored a total of 23 career victories in both USAC
Stock Cars and Sprints.

The Roger McCluskey Memorial Sprint Car Classic will include open
wheel stars such as Andy Michner, Kevin Thomas, Chet Fillip, 1996 USAC
Stoops Freightliner Sprint Car Series Champion Brian Tyler and David
Steele, the winner of the 1997 IRP season-opening Skoal Bandit Indyana
Sprint Classic.

In addition to the USAC Sprints, the Jasper I-Car Modifieds and the
Baby Grand Stock Cars will race at IRP on June 14.  Gates open at 3
p.m., with I-Car Modified qualifying at 4:30 p.m., Baby Grand
qualifying at 5:30 and Sprint qualifying at 7 p.m.  Racing gets
underway at 8 p.m.  Tickets are $15 for adults, $3 for children ages
6-12 and free for kids five and under.

The Goodguys Hot Rod Nationals and Indy Hot Rod Happening will take
place on the west side of the drag strip from Friday, June 13 through
Sunday, June 15.  Coupons good for $3 off the price of admission to
the Roger McCluskey Memorial will be available at the drag strip
concession stands Friday and Saturday.  Call IRP at (317) 291-4090 for
more information.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Eric Powell
			(317) 387-7342

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