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2010 USAC National Champion Bryan Clauson Enters John Padjen Classic in Chico

CHICO, CA (3-4-11) - The driver roster for the Inaugural John Padjen Classic at Silver Dollar Speedway just added one of the best and most versatile young open-wheel racers in America. Noblesville, IN driver Bryan Clauson will compete in both the USAC Western Classic Racing Series and the USAC/BCRA midget event Friday night March 11. This Friday will mark the first chance Clauson has had to race on the famed quarter-mile clay oval speedway. However, it is not his first visit to the track. Bryan grew up in the Sacramento area and watched his father Tim race sprint cars around Northern California between 1984 and 1996. The family relocated to Indiana before Bryan was old enough to race in California. "Bryan grew up in the grandstands at Chico, Placerville and Grass Valley," Tim Clauson stated. "When we moved back to Indiana Bryan was too young to race in California and it's always been one of his dreams to race at Chico." Clauson concluded his thoughts by adding, "I've known John Padjen for a long time now and we felt it was a great opportunity to come home and race in an event that recognizes John and what he has meant to Northern California racing."

Bryan Clauson is the first-ever USAC National Champion in the sanctioning body's storied history. Clauson secured the most points in 2010 by besting competitors across all three of USAC's major series; Silver Crown, Sprint Car and Midget. The 21-year-old had no shortage of success in 2010 amassing 19 victories on his way to the USAC National Championship. As a result of his championship, Clauson has been awarded a scholarship to compete in the IndyLights Series for 2011. Clauson's first race will be Firestone Freedom 100 at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 27. "Growing up racing in Indiana it has always been Bryan's dream to compete at Indianapolis in an Indy Car," said Tim. His involvement with Indy Car racing will only add to his already impressive racing resume. Clauson finished in the runner up spot for Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with Ganassi Motorsports in 2008. In 2007 he won an ARCA event at Gateway International Raceway.

Clauson will be driving his own equipment at the John Padjen Classic. He is entered in the NOS Energy Drink/Curb Records/Corey Tucker Racing/Spike/Esslinger Midget #39. Clauson will drive the #7 Curb Records/NOS Energy Drink/R&B Truckers/ Spike chassis/Chevy engine sprint car. "We are all really excited about coming back home, to Northern California, and to get a chance for Bryan to race in front of a lot of fans who have never witnessed him in person," said Tim. "On behalf of myself and Bryan we want to thank USAC, Silver Dollar Speedway and JP's Paint and Body Works for making it all possible for us to tow out from Indiana and be a part of this event."

Joining Clauson in the sprint car field during the Inaugural John Padjen Classic will be Campbell's Brent and Bud Kaeding. Other local winged warriors willing to take on the non-wing racers include Auburn's Andy Forsberg and Sacramento's Kyle Hirst. Roseville's Colby Copeland is planning on running Friday nights in Chico and chasing the USAC Western Classic Racing Series. USAC Western States champion Tony Hunt of Lincoln, San Francisco's Tim Barber and Calistoga's Marty Hawkins are also committed to race in the sprint car division. Midget entries include Stockton's Jonathan Henry, Chico's Robbie Whitchurch and Kingsburg's brothers Kody and Tanner Swanson. Bay Cities Racing Association will be well represented with David Prickett, Floyd Alvis and Nick Foster Jr.

Chico's local midget superstar Dillon Silverman is also scheduled to appear.

Auto racing in Chico, CA kicks off March 11 and 12 with the annual running of the Mini Gold Cup. The John Padjen Classic takes place on March 11 while the World of Outlaws invade the famed quarter-mile clay oval speedway March 12. For ticket information please call (530) 350-7275 or email info@silverdollarspeedway.com.

Adult grandstand admission is $20.00 with juniors and seniors $15.00. Children ticket prices are $6.00. Front grandstand gate is set to open at 5pm. Racing is scheduled to start at 6:30pm. A full night of open-wheel non wing racing with traditional sprint cars and midgets will jump start the 2011 racing season at Silver Dollar Speedway.

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