BACON TO PILOT THE DOOLING/HAYWARD SPRINTER IN 20-25 USAC SPRINT RACES IN 2017

Brady Bacon announced plans today to wheel the Joe Dooling/Brody Hayward-owned sprint car in 20-25 USAC AMSOIL National Sprint races during the 2017 season.

Bacon, the two-time USAC National Sprint Car champ (2014 & 2016), takes over the wheel of the No. 63, which won seven series features with Brady’s close friend, the late Bryan Clauson, as the driver in 2016. 

Dooling and Hayward will resume their partial USAC schedule that involves hitting several of the major events on the racing calendar including the season opening “Winter Dirt Games” at Ocala, Florida’s Bubba Raceway Park in February as well the season-ending western swing at Arizona Speedway’s “Western World Championships” and the Budweiser “Oval Nationals” at California’s Perris Auto Speedway in addition to numerous events throughout the summer months.

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma’s Bacon captured two series titles with the Hoffman Auto Racing team, including this past season in 2016.  In 2017, Bacon will pursue a bevy of racing endeavors in USAC and elsewhere, but his part-time role in the 63 is an honor he cherishes.

“I’m excited to be involved with them,” Bacon said. “Obviously, there is a sentimental element there for me having raced against Bryan (Clauson) in the No. 63.  Hopefully, I can continue the success they had with him.  Hopefully, it’s something he would be proud of as well.  It’s a very special opportunity for me.”

Hayward, a sponsor and owner of the team, feels Bacon is a perfect fit for the goals the teams seeks in 2017.

“We’re really excited to have Brady,” Hayward exclaimed.  “I think he’ll be a great fit for our sprint car.  He’s the best out there.  We had a lot of contacts who wanted the seat, but Brady seemed to work out the best.  We’re excited to have him.  We like him and we like his family.  He’s a good family guy, which fits who we are with this team.”

With the caliber of driver, equipment and team assembled, team owner Joe Dooling is eager to get back to the track.

“Brodie (Hayward) wanted to get back in racing,” Dooling said.  “With the caliber of driver Brady is, I said ‘Let’s step up and go.’  I’ve been doing this my whole life.  It’s all I’ve ever known and I’ve missed being around it.  We’re shooting for the big dollar races.  We’ll kick it off in Ocala and see how it goes.  We have a great driver, a great piece of equipment and two great car owners.”