USAC: IRL test up for grabs at Toledo July 13

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

June 8, 2001

HEMELGARN'S "ROLLIE BEALE NIGHT" TO SALUTE "OLDTIMERS"

Current and former USAC Stoops Freightliner Sprint Car participants are gearing up for the July 13 Hemelgarn Racing "Rollie Beale Night," which will offer something for everyone and a spectacular career advancement opportunity for at least one.

Indy Racing Northern Light Series car owner Ron Hemelgarn, who put Buddy Lazier in victory lane at the Indianapolis 500 in 1996 and subsequently won the IRL Championship with Lazier last year, has again generously offered to provide an IRL test to the July 13 USAC feature winner.

The racing program on the 1/2-mile banked pavement will conclude with a 30-lap feature and one lucky driver will end up with not only the IRL test but a possible Indy Racing Northern Light Series appearance as well. Negotiations are underway to provide not only the first step, but also the second which could create some exciting competition on the storied oval.

Hemelgarn is also arranging for a huge tent to be catered by Jug's Catering as an assembly site for all former USAC Sprint Car participants who attend as part of the "Oldtimers" reunion which will be a big part of the evening's activities. "I appreciate what these people have meant to our sport and the impact they have made on open-wheel racing in this country. They are the reason open-wheel racing is the most spectacular spectator sport in America."

Race fans attending the special night will not only be able to witness the exciting action of the Stoops Freightliner Sprint Cars, but also get to meet and greet some of the heroes from the past, including numerous former USAC driving champions.

Rollie Beale, who won the 1973 USAC National Sprint Car Championship, is the featured guest of the night and will be on hand to meet the fans and share in the night's televised activities on ESPN. Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Gordon Johncock, USAC's winningest Sprint car driver ever - Tom Bigelow, plus Michigan fan favorite Cy Fairchild are among other USAC veterans expected to attend.

Former USAC participants interested in attending the Toledo race are urged to contact USAC (317-247-5151) or the Toledo Speedway (419-727-1100).

Last year Dave Darland won the Toledo race and the Hemelgarn test and he is the current leader in the Stoops Freightliner Sprint Car standings.

Text provided by Dick Jordan

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