GARDNER PICKS UP WESTERN MIDGET CHASE AT TULARE

Defending Honda USAC Western Midget Champion Ronnie Gardner of Norco, Calif. has a nine-point lead over Trey Marcham in the latest series standings as he searches for a third consecutive title.

Gardner and Marcham are the odds-on favorites for victory when the series visits Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif. Saturday for the “J.D. Heiskell & Company Race Night.” Marcham won last year’s race and fast qualifier Gardner finished second.

Third-ranking driver Randi Pankratz of Atascadero, Calif. could be among surprises at Tulare following her recent USAC HPD Western Midget victory at Bakersfield, Calif.