Meredith Kaplan Burns
Brownsburg, Indiana (June 23, 2011) — Ali Jackson just came up short barely missing his first win in the USAC Mopar D1 Midget Series event on Wednesday, June 22, at the Bryant Heating and Cooling Indianapolis Speedrome.
After a series of rainouts, which caused the cancellation of several USAC D1 Midget events at the Speedrome, the blue sky appeared and allowed Ali to climb back into the Nine Racing #9 midget at the famed oval track.
Ali began the evening strong as he started his heat race from the outside of the front row to earn his second Speedrome heat race win.
Ali earned a third-place starting position for the 40-lap feature and passed one car, but finished in second behind race winner Taylor Ferns.
Ali explained that he is becoming more comfortable with the flat, paved 1/5-mile track. “The Speedrome is a tough place to pass but I am learning more every time I race here,” he said. “Billy Wease and Glenn Martin have been really helpful and are giving me a great car to drive.”
As a result of the strong finishes in the feature events at the Speedrome, Ireland’s Ali Jackson now stands in third place in the USAC Mopar D1 Midget Series points, only two points out of first place.
“We are pleased with the progress Ali is making with his USAC midget program,” observed Steve Lewis, Nine Racing team owner. “He has a wealth of international road racing experience and he is quickly grasping the rigors of racing on a tight paved oval.”
Ali’s next race for Nine Racing will be next Wednesday, June 29, again at the Bryant Heating and Cooling Indianapolis Speedrome.
Nine Racing’s 2011 sponsor lineup includes K&N Engineering, Eibach Springs, Weld Racing, Klotz Synthetic Lubricants, Penske Racing Shocks, Performance Friction Brakes, ASE, Earl’s Performance Plumbing, SSi Decals, PJ1, and Hoosier Racing Tire.
Photo caption: Ali Jackson is seen here driving the #9 midget in the USAC Mopar D1 Regional Midget Series at the Bryant Heating & Cooling Indianapolis Speedrome. Ali finished the June 22nd race in 2nd place, and now stands in 3rd place in the series championship, only two points behind the series leader.