IndyCar to announce deal with USAC

UPDATE #2 IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard confirmed Wednesday that the winner of the USAC sprint car championship will receive a $300,000 bonus from IndyCar. The cash will be applied to a ride in the oval-track races of the Firestone Indy Lights series next season.

Levi Jones currently leads Bryan Clauson by 91 points heading into the final four sprint car races of the season.

“When I took this job I started reading about A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Johnny Rutherford and the Unsers and how they got to Indy so I think it's imperative we embrace our history and tradition," said Bernard. “Tony Hulman founded USAC and it's important to restart the tradition of USAC oval racers competing at Indianapolis in May."

10/20/10 This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. We await the formal announcement.

10/19/10 INDYCAR, the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights, is expected to reveal a partnership with USAC tomorrow that will see an opportunity for a USAC driver to race in the oval races of the Firestone Indy Lights Series, including the Freedom 100 at Indy.

Expected in attendance are:
Randy Bernard, INDYCAR CEO
Kevin Miller, USAC President and CEO
Roger Bailey, Executive Director, Firestone Indy Lights
Tony George Jr., Manager of Business Development, Firestone Indy Lights
Bryan Clauson, USAC driver
Levi Jones, USAC driver