NASCAR & Indycar Drivers Commit To Kart Event
press release
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Conseco Fieldhouse will be the home of the inaugural Indy Karting Classic (Photo: Conseco Fieldhouse) |
With the inaugural event making headway within the karting industry, motorsports professionals have begun to take notice. Huge interest has peaked among some of the top motorsports athletes in North America as NASCAR and IndyCar drivers make plans to attend the indoor karting event in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana's Conseco Fieldhouse.
Already entered and committed to the December 11th event is NASCAR driver Tony Stewart from Stewart Haas Racing. Currently sitting second overall in the 'Chase for the Cup' with one pole position and three wins, Stewart will be joined by Richard Petty Motorsports' AJ Allmendinger who has eight top ten results in the 2011 season and has run in the top five on numerous occasions.
"Competitive karting remains one of the most pure forms of motorsports, so I'm looking forward to getting in a kart and racing some of the IndyCar guys," said Stewart, who has World Karting Association and International Karting Association titles on his resume. "The Indy Karting Classic is shaping up to be a cool day for karting enthusiasts. It should be a fun spectator event as well."
"The feedback leading up to the Indy Karting Classic has been incredible," explained Race Promoter Bill McLaughlin. "Not only have all the karting divisions had great entries, we have had multiple pro drivers contact us in regards to racing. The support from the motorsports industry has been outstanding."
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Conseco Fieldhouse is the home to some of Indy's |
A pair of IZOD IndyCar Series drivers has also stated their intentions to compete in the event as Sam Schmidt Motorsports pilot and Indianapolis 500 pole winner Alex Tagliani will be back behind the wheel of a kart. Joining him from the IndyCar program will be two-time IndyCar race winner Tomas Scheckter as both drivers will look to do their series proud.
McLaughlin added, "We need to thank all our event sponsors and supporters. Everyone is coming together and rallying behind the first ever event and the support has been awesome. A big thanks must go out to TS Racing for their help in supplying the IAME Parilla X30 engine packages for all the pro drivers. Stay tuned for exciting future announcements."
With the one-day event taking place on Sunday, December 11, 2011, the jam packed day will feature a full slate of practice, qualifying, heat races and main events. With a small entry fee that includes an indoor pit space, oil, fuel and a set of tires, karters will have the opportunity to display their skills in front of a large crowd.