The motorsports world is abuzz as the famed Indianapolis 500 is set to launch this weekend, and 19-year-old Dezi Pedregon will be an active part of the festivities as he makes his debut in the All-Star Pavement Midgets series at the Carb Night Classic with the support of Capital Defense and Associates and Pinmarx Total Fleet Solutions.
The open-wheel racing event, which takes place the Friday before the Indianapolis 500, marks the first of four races in the series on the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park 2025 schedule. For young Pedregon, racing the All-Star Pavement Midgets in historic territory is another step forward in his developing career in motorsports.
“I have been trying to race a midget at IRP for the last few years, and I’m looking forward to competing at the Carb Classic,” said Pedregon, who is piloting a Dave Ward/High Performance Lubricants team car alongside drivers Sammy Swindell, Nathan Byrd, Kaylee Bryson, Chase Locke, Dakota Armstrong, and Jimmy Anderson.
Pedregon, who began racing karts at the age of 14, has competed in several classes, most recently in Shifter Kart at New Castle Motorsports Park in Indiana. He gained a feel for the big stage in Micro Sprint Racing at the Tulsa Shootout and through several events in the Kenyon Midget Series, and the third-generation racer is eager to build on his experience with a new challenge and a strong team.
“I’m really looking forward to this. Dave Ward has a proven track record and has assembled a nice car, and he’s willing to work with me to get me up to speed,” said Pedregon, whose father is two-time nitro Funny Car world champion Tony Pedregon.
“Partnerships with Capital Defense, Pinmarx Total Fleet Solutions, and fellow racer and friend Stephen Bell have been pivotal in getting me to this series. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Practice and qualifying for the All-Star Pavement Midgets is scheduled to take place from 2:55 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. EST on Friday, May 23 at the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park oval, with the 30-lap feature set to close the evening following the USA Silver Crown Series race at 7:00 p.m.
This story was originally published on May 23, 2025. 
