Mystery Driver to Sub for Denny Zimmerman in Dirt Midget Association Debut at Bear Ridge Speedway
Bradford, VT — Usually, New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame member Denny Zimmerman likes nothing better than spending quality time behind the wheel of one of Skip Matczak’s Midgets, slinging dirt down the straightaways and power sliding through the turns. But Zimmerman isn’t scheduled to race when the USAC Dirt Midget Association debuts at Bear Ridge Speedway on Saturday May 28; instead he plans to be in Indianapolis as an honored guest at the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500.
Every living driver who ever competed in the Indy 500 has been invited to attend a series of celebrations, including what’s being billed as the world’s largest autograph party. In 1971, Zimmerman finished eighth and was named Rookie of the Year, so he’ll have special status at the anniversary celebrations and has been invited to give a speech.
Car owner Matczak, a Hall of Famer himself, is tight lipped about who’ll be taking Zimmerman’s place behind the wheel. “Let’s just say it will be somebody very interesting and the fans will be happy,” Matczak said with a smile.
The debut event on Memorial Day Weekend marks the first of five appearances for the USAC Dirt Midget Association at Butch Elms’ Bear Ridge Speedway and Zimmerman plans to compete in all the remaining events. He’ll be joined by fellow Hall of Fame member Ray Miller, Sprint Car veteran Scott Holcomb, 30 time Midget feature winner Scott Viets and a talented cadre of rookies and veterans.
About 20 cars are registered with the Dirt Midget Association and at least 15 are expected at the season opener. USAC is the oldest and most prestigious open cockpit sanctioning body in America and the Dirt Midget Association functions as a USAC Regional Midget Series. For more information on the Dirt Midget Association, visit www.dmaracing.org.
Sources: Mark McKeon/USAC Dirt Midget Association PR