One night after seeing his team’s celebration erased by post-race penalties and enduring his own disappointing finish, the Pennsylvania driver responded with the biggest victory of his USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship career by winning the 2026 BC39 at The Dirt Track inside Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Driving the No. 40x Chase McDermand Racing entry, Danner led when it mattered most during the 39-lap feature, earning the prestigious BC39 trophy and the $20,039 winner’s prize in one of the nation’s premier dirt midget races honoring the legacy of Bryan Clauson.
“This is an incredible feeling,” Danner said after climbing from his car in Victory Lane. “The team gave me a fast car every time we went on the track, and to win here at Indianapolis makes it even more special.”
From Tuesday’s Disappointment to Wednesday’s Celebration
The victory marked a dramatic turnaround after Tuesday night’s race, when Danner’s hopes were derailed following early contact and a late tire issue that left him 13th. Although teammate Drake Edwards initially crossed the finish line first, a post-race technical inspection resulted in his disqualification, handing the victory to Kevin Thomas Jr. and leaving the Chase McDermand Racing team searching for redemption.
They found it less than 24 hours later.
Starting from pole position, Danner briefly surrendered the lead at the opening green flag as Kale Drake jumped ahead. Rather than panic, Danner committed to running the high groove around the dirt oval, patiently waiting for the right opportunity to strike.
His move came on Lap 9, when he slipped underneath Drake exiting Turn 4 to regain the lead just before the race’s first caution slowed the field.
A Thrilling Battle for the Lead
From there, fans were treated to one of the night’s most exciting battles as defending BC39 champion Cannon McIntosh repeatedly traded the lead with Danner over several thrilling laps. Despite brushing the outside wall during the duel, Danner maintained his composure while adapting to the ever-changing racing surface.
Kevin Thomas Jr. eventually entered the fight, using the bottom lane to briefly take over the lead on Lap 24. The advantage lasted only one circuit before Danner powered back around the outside, reclaiming first place for good.
A final caution on Lap 30 erased Danner’s comfortable advantage, but he executed a flawless restart and steadily pulled away over the closing laps.
Rather than simply protecting the lead, Danner adjusted his line through Turns 3 and 4 to avoid developing ruts and maintain momentum, allowing him to comfortably secure his first BC39 victory.
Final Results and What’s Next
Kevin Thomas Jr., fresh off Tuesday’s inherited victory, crossed the finish line second, while Jacob Denney completed the podium in third.
Two-time defending BC39 winner Cannon McIntosh fell short of becoming the event’s first three-time consecutive champion, finishing fourth. Kale Drake rounded out the top five after leading the opening laps.
The BC39 continues to grow as one of the signature events on the USAC calendar, bringing elite dirt midget racing to the unique setting inside Indianapolis Motor Speedway while honoring the memory of Bryan Clauson, one of open-wheel racing’s most beloved competitors.
USAC competition at IMS will return later this month when the AMSOIL National Sprint Car Championship opens Indiana Sprint Week during Brickyard Weekend.
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