Honoring a legend at Plymouth Speedway, Bentley Warren Classic August 6

Plymouth Motor Speedway is rolling out the red carpet for one of American motorsports' most decorated and beloved figures on Thursday, August 6, as the track hosts the Bentley Warren Classic — an evening of elite pavement midget racing designed to honor a man whose career reads like a racing hall of fame résumé.

If you follow open-wheel racing, the name Bentley Warren commands instant respect. An American racing legend best known for his years competing in the USAC Championship Car series, Warren's list of accomplishments is staggering: a seven-time champion at Oswego Raceway, a six-time International Classic winner, a four-time ISMA Champion, and a two-time Little 500 winner. Warren also took the wheel at the most famous race in the world — the Indianapolis 500 — competing in both 1971 and 1975. Thursday night, Plymouth Motor Speedway gives Warren the tribute he deserves, and racing fans won't want to

The on-track headliner for the evening is the All-Star National Pavement Midget Series, a cost-conscious, traveling open-wheel organization with a bold mission: to revitalize traditional pavement midget racing across the historic short tracks of the Midwest. The series has made stops at marquee venues including Anderson Speedway and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) — and Plymouth Motor Speedway fits perfectly into that storied tradition.

At the heart of the series is a commitment to keeping racing accessible and competitive. Strict rules govern engine specifications — including limited Focus and EcoTec engines — and an $11,000 to $15,000 long-block claim rule keeps team spending reasonable without sacrificing on-track intensity. The goal is straightforward: restore the traditional racing ladder by giving drivers a legitimate, competitive pavement midget starting point on their way to the sport's top divisions.

Also on the racing card, Blount's Auto Salvage of LaPaz has put up a $1,000 prize for the winner of the Hornets class, adding extra incentive and excitement to what is already a stacked evening of competition.

Before the green flag waves, racing fans are in for a rare treat. An autograph session begins at 6:30 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to bring their racing collectibles — because the lineup of signers is remarkable.

Tony Stewart, three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the most accomplished drivers in American motorsports history, will be on hand. Joining him is his wife, Leah Pruett, a professional NHRA Top Fuel drag racer in her own right — bringing a second world-class competitor to the autograph table.

Ryan Newman, the 2002 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year and 2008 Daytona 500 champion, will also be signing. And in what may be the most exciting storyline of the evening, Newman will be accompanied by his daughter, Brooklyn Newman — a 15-year-old rising racing driver from Statesville, North Carolina, who competes in the #52 car. Brooklyn races across multiple disciplines, including Outlaw Dirt Intermediate, Winged Micro, 305 Sprint Cars, and 602/Carolina Crate Modifieds, making her one of the most watched young talents in grassroots racing today.

Tickets are just $20 — cash or card accepted at the gate. With legends of the sport, a next-generation star, elite open-wheel racing, and a heartfelt tribute to Bentley Warren all packed into one evening, the Bentley Warren Classic at Plymouth Motor Speedway is the motorsports event of the summer.

• 🚫 Please Note: No coolers or carry-in food permitted