Cole Bodine will race in the inaugural Driven2SaveLives BC39 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

WARSAW — A local car dealership is sponsoring a midget car and its driver in an inaugural sprint car race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The Car Company of Warsaw and Goshen is sponsoring Cole Bodine, 19, of Clauson-Marshall Racing in the Driven2SaveLives BC39 race, which will take place Sept. 5 and 6 on the IMS dirt track. The race has already made United States Auto Club history, with 118 midget cars entered in the event.

Bodine was at The Car Company on Aug. 30, meeting with fans and chatting with sponsors. Two cars were also on display, including number 25, which Bodine has not lost a single race in. The 57bc is the newly unveiled car Bodine will drive in the IMS race.

“Being able to do this BC39 race is truly incredible,” said Bodine. “I didn’t expect that I would be able to do it, but I’m so glad that The Car Company jumped on board with this. This is a huge part of history since it is the first dirt race at the IMS. I just can’t wait to do this.”

Bodine has been racing since the age of 5 and has been working at Clauson-Marshall Racing for the past year. He said he’s both excited and nervous for the upcoming race.

“It’ll be a lot of fun because of the amount of people and all of the festivities going on,” said Bodine. “Being one of 118 is a little intimidating, but I’m with the best drivers on the track and I have the greatest team alongside me. Everyone I’ve interacted with has given me a lot of fantastic tips.”

Joe Mooney of Mooney/DeWitt Racing was also at The Car Company. The team is sponsoring and working with Bodine at the race.

“It’s a dream come true just to be a part of this,” said Mooney. “Having a local business be so eager and willing to support Cole is amazing.”

For more information on the upcoming race, visit ims.com.