Boat returns to Midget roots.
Indy Racing star Billy Boat will try to keep an impressive streak alive as he competes in the Turkey Night Grand Prix on Nov. 22 at Irwindale Speedway in Southern California.
1998 Indianapolis 500 pole winner Boat won the USAC Midget race in each of his last three starts in the annual event, 1995-97. He will drive the Van Buerden Insurance/Advanced Racing Suspension Gaerte/Drinan fielded by John Lawson of Fresno, Calif., with whom Boat worked closely during his record-breaking USAC short-track career.
Indy Racing star Billy Boat will try to keep an impressive streak alive as he competes in the Turkey Night Grand Prix on Nov. 22 at Irwindale Speedway in Southern California.
1998 Indianapolis 500 pole winner Boat won the USAC Midget race in each of his last three starts in the annual event, 1995-97. He will drive the Van Buerden Insurance/Advanced Racing Suspension Gaerte/Drinan fielded by John Lawson of Fresno, Calif., with whom Boat worked closely during his record-breaking USAC short-track career.
Boat said it has been at least two years since he's driven a midget. But he's not concerned about any rust. "It's been a few years, but it's kind of like riding a bike," Boat said. "I don't think you forget."
Boat earned each of his Turkey Night wins at a different track, an unprecedented feat. His wins came at Bakersfield, Perris and Ventura in California. Boat wants a fourth win.
"John Lawson, whom I spent most of my midget career with, called me up and said, 'Hey, I'm kind of winding down my midget involvement. I'd like to try to go out with a bang, and why don't you come drive this thing for me?' It's been a few years since I ran Turkey Night. I've really enjoyed the years that I used go over and run it. I agreed to go run his car for him, and I'm looking forward to it, I'm excited."
