Record Purse for Charlotte Midget Race

ENTRIES MAILED FOR $51,100 CHARLOTTE MIDGET RACE

Entries have been mailed to participants detailing the largest single-day payout in the 66-year history of the sport of Midget auto racing!

The USAC National Midget race scheduled July 24 at the Charlotte (NC) Motor Speedway offers $51,100 in prizes as well as points toward the 1998 USAC National Midget Championship and is expected to attract a field of top open-wheel racing talent from across the United States.

The winner of the 50-lap feature race on Charlotte's 1/4-mile "legends" oval will earn a paycheck for $9,000 and all 24 starters are guaranteed at least $1,000 just to start. The race will be run in conjunction with Charlotte's VisionAire 500 Indy Racing League activities, which also include the US Formula 2000 Championship Series.

Ricky Shelton of Huntington Beach, Calif. currently leads the National Midget Series in search of a third consecutive USAC driving championship in three different series, something no driver has ever accomplished in the 43-year history of USAC racing. He won the 1996 TQ Midget title and followed with the 1997 "Western States" Midget crown.

"It's a big deal," says Shelton, "especially with the IRL weekend. It'll definitely be an interesting race. I've never seen the track but I've watched legends races on it and it reminds me of the old Saugus Speedway in California. It's a great payoff and one I'd like to win." Shelton has already won races this year at Winchester, Indianapolis and Anderson, Ind. in his Willoughby Stealth Esslinger.

The timetable of Midget events at Charlotte finds practice from 4-5 p.m., qualifying from 5:15-6:15 and the first race at 8:15.

Entry blanks and race information can be obtained from the USAC headquarters at 4910 W. 16th Street, Speedway, IN 46224 of by calling (317) 247-5151.