Indianapolis, Indiana – The roar of engines and the thrill of high-speed competition return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this summer, but not on the iconic oval. Instead, fans will turn their attention to The Dirt Track at IMS, where the 2025 edition of the BC39 Presented by Avanti Windows & Doors promises two action-packed nights of USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship racing with a new format and even bigger stakes.
This year’s BC39 will take place on Tuesday, July 1, and Wednesday, July 2, featuring a completely revamped two-night structure that raises the competitive bar and offers fans more racing, more drama, and a deeper look into what it takes to be a dirt track champion. At the heart of it all is a tribute to the late Bryan Clauson, a USAC legend and three-time Indianapolis 500 starter whose name and legacy remain central to the event.
The Tuesday Night Opener: Laying the Groundwork
The festivities begin Tuesday afternoon, July 1, when teams gather for the heat race draft at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. In a unique twist not often seen in racing, drivers will pick their starting positions for one of eight scheduled heat races, each running for eight laps. The draft element adds a strategic layer that can dramatically alter the tone of competition right out of the gate.
These heat races are not just about winning; they’re about scoring points. Competitors accumulate points based on both their finishing position and the number of spots they advance during the race, rewarding aggressive driving and clever moves through the field.
The 16 highest point scorers from Tuesday’s heat races — including each heat winner and the next top eight in overall points — will automatically secure a place in that evening’s 30-lap feature event. They’ll be lined up in rows one through eight, straight-up by their total points.
For those not fortunate enough to make the cut immediately, the semi-features offer a second chance. Two semi-features, each lasting 12 laps, will decide the final eight entries into the feature, filling positions 17 through 24. The top four finishers from each semi lock in, lined up based on their finishing order.
The Tuesday night feature — a hard-fought 30-lap main event — will send one driver home $5,000 richer and with serious momentum heading into the next day.
Championship Night on Wednesday: The Ultimate Showdown
Wednesday, July 2, brings the ultimate test of skill, strategy, and resilience. Gates open to the public once again at 4 p.m., followed by a fan-favorite autograph session with drivers at 4:30 p.m. in the merchandise area. Hot laps begin at 6 p.m., setting the tone for a high-stakes evening of dirt racing.
The night kicks off with six qualifying races, each 10 laps in length. Starting grids for these races are based on the points earned during Tuesday’s heat races, and the top six drivers in points in each race will be inverted — a twist that adds unpredictability and opens the door for hard chargers to shine.
Much like the heat races, qualifying races also award points for finishing positions and for each position gained. When the dust settles, the top 18 drivers in total points across both days will lock into the 39-lap feature race, with starting spots again determined by overall point totals — highest points gets the pole, second-highest starts outside row one, and so on.
But the road to the main event doesn’t end there.
Drivers ranked 19th through 30th in points will battle it out in a 15-lap semi-feature, and those further down the leaderboard — 30th and beyond — will face off in one of two 10-lap C-Main events. The top four from each C-Main transfer to the back of the semi-feature, where they must again fight for one of the last six coveted spots in the Wednesday feature.
The grand finale — a 39-lap sprint under the lights — pays tribute to Bryan Clauson with a $20,039 top prize, a nod to his car number and lasting impact on the sport.
Fans Get Closer to the Action
One of the hallmarks of the BC39 has always been fan access, and that tradition continues in 2025. After Tuesday night’s feature concludes, spectators are invited onto the track for an up-close look at the race cars and the opportunity to meet drivers face-to-face. It’s a rare and cherished chance to experience the sport from the inside.
Public gates open at 4 p.m. on both race days, and all attendees are reminded to use Gate 10 off 30th Street to access The Dirt Track. Gate 2 will not be open for this event. For those looking to plan ahead and learn more about what to expect, detailed spectator information is available on the official BC39 “Plan Ahead” page through the IMS website.
Growing the Legacy of Bryan Clauson
More than just a racing event, the BC39 is a celebration of Bryan Clauson’s life and career. Known for his talent, passion, and sportsmanship, Clauson left a lasting impression not just on the track but also in the hearts of fans and fellow racers. Each year, the BC39 builds on that legacy by bringing together the best in midget racing for a weekend that pushes the boundaries of what short-track racing can offer.
Whether it’s the strategic heat race draft, the relentless pursuit of points across two intense days, or the thrilling final laps of the championship feature, the BC39 continues to evolve and grow. This year’s format promises more racing, more storylines, and more reasons to tune in or attend in person.
With big names expected to compete, packed grandstands, and a community atmosphere that sets the event apart, the 2025 BC39 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting chapters in its history.
Tickets are available now at ims.com/BC39, and fans are encouraged to secure their spot early for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of dirt track racing at its finest.
