By Troy Hennig
ROSEVILLE, CA – (February 23, 2016)…The 9th Annual Louie Vermeil Classic at Calistoga Speedway has been selected to be a part of the inaugural “Indy Challenge.” The Louie Vermeil Classic is one of seven highly recognized USAC midget races that are representing the inaugural Jonathan Byrd’s “Indy Challenge.” This unique opportunity gives USAC midget participants at these selected events a chance to compete at the “Greatest Course in the World” – the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. During the Sunday night finale, September 4th, drivers competing in the USAC midget race will have an unprecedented chance at propelling their career towards open wheel Indy Car racing.
The Byrd brothers, Jonathan and David, have constructed a format that is challenging and rewarding. If one driver can win five of the seven races then they would be eligible for a seat in the 2017 Freedom 100 Indy Lights race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Six wins would secure a seat for the full slate of oval track races during the 2017 Indy Lights schedule. If one driver can win all seven, that individual gets the full slate of oval track races in 2017 as well as being advanced to a ride in the 2018 Indianapolis 500.
“This is a unique and amazing opportunity not only for the USAC midget drivers but also for our event to be a part of this,” said Tommy Hunt President of HMC Promotions. “We feel honored to be held in such high regards as the other participating venues and races.” Fans attending this year’s race can expect drivers from both the National and Western States Midget Series to be a part of this two night Louie Vermeil Classic.
The other six tracks and events joining Calistoga Speedway in hosting an “Indy Challenge” event include Lawrenceburg Speedway in Indiana on June 4th, the final night of the Belleville Midget Nationals in Kansas on August 6th, Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, PA on August 17th, the “4-Crown Nationals” at Eldora Speedway in Ohio on September 24th, Tri-City Speedway in Illinois as part of the final night of the “Gold Crown Midget Nationals” on October 8th and the “Turkey Night Grand Prix” at Ventura Raceway on November 24th.
The 9th Annual Louie Vermeil Classic is scheduled to take place September 3rd and 4th at the Napa Valley Fairgrounds in Calistoga. Tickets and information for the Louie Vermeil Classic can be purchased by calling 916-773-7223. Joining the Honda USAC Western Midget Series each night will be the Amsoil USAC/CRA sprint cars.