Anderson, Eldora pre-race notes

EAST, STEELE EYE REPEAT ANDERSON VICTORY WEDNESDAY
SPRINT CARS TRAVEL TO ELDORA SUNDAY NIGHT

Bobby East of Brownsburg, Ind. hopes to repeat his 2004 victory when the Valvoline USAC National Sprint Car Series returns to the Anderson (Ind.) Speedway Wednesday night for the "Central Indiana Chevy Dealers 50."

East will have to contend with challengers like defending series champion Jay Drake and Dave Steele in the 50-lap main event at the 1/4-mile paved oval, which is also preparing for Saturday's 57th Payless/Remy International "Little 500."

Drake again leads the standings this year, with a five-point margin over runner-up Dave Darland, but Steele rates the favorite's role Wednesday after dominating the 2005 series-opening "Glen Niebel Classic" at Anderson. Steele led all 50 laps of the April race and will also be "tuning up" for the "Little 500" in Wednesday's events, which include "Little 500" practice prior to the "Central Indiana Chevy Dealers 50" program.

The Valvoline National Sprint Car series travels to Ohio Sunday night to compete at the Eldora Speedway, where Drake won in April. A 30-lap feature is on tap at the 1/2-mile dirt oval.

USAC VALVOLINE NATIONAL SPRINT CAR SERIES STANDINGS
1.-Jay Drake-171
2.-Dave Darland-166
3.-Mat Neely-158
4.-Tom Hessert III-141
5.-Bud Kaeding-136
6.-Jerry Coons, Jr.-118
7.-Levi Jones-116
8.-Aaron Pierce-87
9.-Josh Wise-81
10.-Darren Hagen-78

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