DRIVERS FROM 10 STATES CLAIM “BATTLE AT THE BRICKYARD” HARDWARE

 


Youngsters from 10 states realized the racing dream of a lifetime with victories at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Saturday during feature events at this year’s “Battle at the Brickyard” for USAC’s Mopar .25 Midgets. A total of 267 cars competed in the spectacular event, held in the shadows of the famed IMS Pagoda.


 


Jarid Irvan of Wadmalaw Island, C.S. was victorious in the Light 160 A-Main, emerging from a field of 32 entrants to claim the top prize. John Ruggeiro Jr. of Lincolnton, N.C. bested a field of 30 entrants to take the top spot in the Senior Honda A-Main and Blake Bower of Livermore, Calif. topped a field of 27 cars to take the win in the Junior Honda class. Bower also triumphed in the Junior Stock class.


 


Distinctive brick trophies were awarded to the podium finishers in each class, along with USAC medallions.


 


Additional champions from North Carolina included Neal Allison of Greensboro (Junior Rookie), Tyler Shullick of Concord (Light World Formula) and Nick Drake of Mooresville (Heavy 160). Drake is the son of former USAC champion Jay Drake.


 


Ohio claimed four class titles with drivers Caleb Cagle of Galena (Heavy Honda), Seth Crandall of Pickerington (Junior Animal), Cooper Clouse of Ohio City (Heavy AA) and Ross Rankine of Willard (Light AA).


 


Two champions hailed from New Mexico, namely Joshua Jackson of Albuquerque (Mod) and Michael Fanelli of Rio Rancho (Heavy World Formula).


 


Elwood Carroll of Andover, N.J. triumphed in Junior Rookie, Logan Huggler of Winamac, Ind. was tops in Senior Rookie, Tyler Walker of Tucker, Ore. won the B class title and Nicholas Snyder of Marco Island, Fla. topped the Senior Animal class.


 


Tommy McCarthy of Mt. View, Calif. was the champion in Senior Stock.


 


The entire event was streamed live to a worldwide audience on USAC’s website. Additionally, families were treated to a week of activities which included a tour of Sarah Fisher Racing and a stop at the Indianapolis Speedrome for future USAC Midget competitors.