Edwards Disqualified for Technical Infraction
Kevin Thomas Jr. was declared July 1 as the winner of the Stoops Star Spangled Showdown on June 30 at The Dirt Track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after post-race technical inspection discovered a violation on the car driven by Drake Edwards, who crossed the finish line first.
Thomas finished a distant second to Edwards in the 30-lap feature on the 1/5th-mile dirt oval that opened the two-night BC39 Presented by Avanti Windows & Doors for the USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship. But USAC veteran Thomas was elevated to the winner in the No. 14 4 Kings Racing car after a rev limit violation was vound on the No. 40D Chase McDermand Racing car driven by Edwards.
Edwards and McDermand Racing were found to be in violation of section 413.A.3 and 413.K of the series rulebook.
- A.3: Four cylinder in-line, two (2) valves per cylinder, water cooled, utilizing an aluminum block and/or head. Maximum 166 CID (2,721 cc). Maximum RPM 8,700.
- All probationary RPM limits will be monitored at each event and are subject to RPM adjustments on, but not limited to, an event-by-event basis and may be adjusted during an event.
Analysis of the EFI box found the No. 40D to have its RPM set above the legal limit.
Edwards and the McDermand No. 40D have been repositioned to last place. Winnings, points and Wednesday’s BC39 Presented by Avanti Windows & Doors starting lineups will be adjusted accordingly to reflect the change in the final results.
Championship night of the BC39 on Wednesday, July 1 will consist of a full program for the USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship. Public gates open at 4 p.m. with a driver autograph session in the Fan Zone. A public drivers’ meeting starts at 5 p.m. in the Fan Zone, with hot laps beginning at 6:30 p.m. Racing starts immediately after the opening ceremonies at 7 p.m., culminating in a 39-lap feature event paying $20,039 to win.
Cannon McIntosh will look to defend his BC39 victories from 2024 and 2025 and try to become the first three-time winner of the event, which honors late USAC champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 starter Bryan Clauson. McIntosh placed seventh in the feature.
Tickets are on sale at IMS.com or at the gate. Spectators must enter IMS via Gate 10 off 30th Street to access The Dirt Track. No entrance will be allowed through Gate 2.
For more spectator information, fans should visit the Plan Ahead site for the BC39.
