KALAMAZOO HOSTS 1ST USAC SPRINT RACE SATURDAY



Dave Darland’s six-point lead over Levi Jones in USAC’s National Sprint Car Series is a perilous one and could be tested this Saturday night when the series makes its initial visit to the Kalamazoo (Mich.) Speedway.


 


The track which has hosted three previous USAC Midget races, including one in 1960 won by Gene Hartley, will offer a 50-lap feature and Darland’s position atop the standings could also be threatened by third-ranking driver Jesse Hockett, who is just 20 points back.


 


Darland has 10 “top-10” finishes in 11 starts this season, including a victory at Gas City, Ind. Jones won the “Tony Hulman Classic” at Terre Haute, Ind. and has added three runner-up finishes so far, while Hockett won at Bechtelsville, Pa. and has three other podium finishes.


 


The 3/8-mile Kalamazoo oval also hosted a 1989 USAC Midget race won by Mike Fedorcak and a 2005 Ford Focus race won by Tate Martz.