From Must See Racing
SALEM, IN, — The Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial sprint car classic, set for Saturday night, August 14th at Salem Speedway, features an exciting new twist for 2010. The USAC National Sprint Car Series, a mainstay of the event for over 45 years, will be joined by the Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series for the 51st edition of the storied event.
This marks the first time in the long history of the race that two different sprint car series appear together on the racing program. In recent years, midgets or local stock car divisions have joined the USAC sprints for the annual race.
We are certainly excited to have these two great sprint car series appear on the same program, said Salem Speedway general manager Richard Deaton. This historic night on the high banks will provide fans an excellent opportunity to see the best-of-the-best in open wheel short-track racing.
The breathtaking action of USAC sprints, combined with the raw speed and excitement of the Must See Racing Xtreme winged sprint cars, will undoubtedly deliver a memorable night of racing, said Deaton.
The overall Salem Speedway track record of 14.244-seconds was recorded this past May by Jason Blonde during time trials for a Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series race.
The honor roll of past James/O’Connor victors reads like a who’s-who in open wheel racing history with such names as A.J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Bob Sweikert, Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, Pancho Carter, Rich Vogler, Kenny Irwin Jr. and Tony Stewart gracing the list of former winners.
The 2010 sprint classic will be topped off with a 30-lap feature for the MSR Xtreme Sprint Series and the 50-lap James/O’Connor Memorial for the USAC sprints.
The Midwest Oldtimers Vintage Race Car Club is also scheduled for its annual Salem Speedway appearance during the James/O’Connor event.
Advance tickets, both reserved and general admission, are currently selling for the James/O’Connor Memorial and may be purchased at the Salem Speedway office Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or by calling 812-883-6504 or toll free 1-888-246-7223.