By Dick Jordan
The Salem (Ind.) Speedway’s new short track, located in the infield of the famed half-mile, will serve as the host for the first USAC Mopar D1 Midget race this Saturday.
The series was originally scheduled to open in April at Montpelier, Ind. but that event was rained out.
This weekend’s Casey’s General Store Spring Speed Festival is presented by Salem True Value Hardware and will mark USAC’s debut on the Salem short track.
The Mopar D1 Midgets are a continuation of the former USAC Regional Midget Series. Dalton Armstrong of New Castle, Ind. is the defending series champ.
Brad Sweet won USAC’s last Midget race at Salem, on the half-mile in 2009. Salem has hosted a USAC race almost every year since USAC’s inception in 1956. The only “down” years were 1981-1987 when USAC Sprints competed only on dirt surfaces.
Saturday’s Salem timetable begins with pits opening at 1:30 pm and the drivers meeting at 3. Spectator gates open and practice commences at 3:30. Qualifying begins at 5:45 and racing starts at 7. A 30-lap feature is on tap for the Mopar D1 Midgets.