Christian Rasmussen to Race in Turkey Night Grand Prix
The Indy Lights champion will drive a tribute car at the 85th annual USAC National Midget finale on November 28, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Motorsports
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2023 Indy Lights champion Christian Rasmussen is set to compete in the 85th Annual Turkey Night Grand Prix at Ventura Raceway on November 28, 2026. He will pilot the No. 98 Agajanian Special as part of the USAC National Midget Championship season finale.
Why it matters
This race entry marks a temporary return to short-track competition for the open-wheel driver, who will trade his usual No. 21 ECR Chevy Indy car for the event. The one-race deal highlights the intersection between top-tier open-wheel development and classic midget car racing series.
The No. 98 Agajanian Special utilizes a Cofer/Esslinger Spike short-arm chassis equipped with a 350hp four-cylinder SR-11 engine. The car features a special livery honoring Troy Ruttman's victory at the 1952 Indianapolis 500.
The players
Christian Rasmussen
He is a professional race car driver and the 2023 Indy Lights champion.
Troy Ruttman
He was a historic racing driver best known for winning the 1952 Indianapolis 500 at age 22.
Johnny Cofer
He is a specialized racing mechanic and partner in the development of the midget chassis being used.
Dan Esslinger
He is a prominent engine builder responsible for the engineering of the SR-11 power unit.
The details
Rasmussen will collaborate with Johnny Cofer and Dan Esslinger to campaign the tribute entry at Ventura Raceway. This vehicle is designed specifically for the unique demands of the midget circuit, diverging significantly from the aerodynamic configuration of his full-time ECR Chevy ride.
Timeline
November 28, 2026: The 85th Annual Turkey Night Grand Prix takes place at Ventura Raceway.
Season Trajectory
This one-off entry serves as a high-profile showcase during the USAC National Midget Championship season finale. It bridges the gap between major open-wheel development tiers and the grassroots heritage of the midget series.
Fans attending the event at Ventura Raceway will see Rasmussen debut the No. 98 entry in a competitive field for the season finale. The performance of the 350hp SR-11 engine will be a key metric for spectators monitoring the technical capabilities of the specialized midget chassis.
The takeaway
The event provides a rare opportunity for fans to see a top-tier open-wheel champion return to his midget racing roots in a historically themed vehicle. Attendees should prepare for the unique technical demands of the short-arm chassis compared to standard circuit cars.
Further reading
For more on upcoming regional races, visit the Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RACER.
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