Anderson preview

NATIONAL MIDGETS OPEN MIDWEST CAMPAIGN AT ANDERSON SUNDAY; KENYON MIDGETS ALSO ON THE PROGRAM

The 2008 Mopar USAC National Midget Series makes its Midwest debut Sunday at Anderson (Ind.) Speedway and the 50-lap feature should shake up the current point standings.

Drivers will aim at Jason Leffler's one-lap track record of 11.406 seconds set 10 years ago, while Darren Hagen enters the event as the series point leader after winning the series opener at Phoenix, Ariz. in February.

Defending USAC National Midget Champion Jerry Coons Jr., currently third in the points, will continue his pursuit of a third consecutive series title. Leffler was the last to accomplish that, from 1997-1999. Shorty Templeman (1956-58 and Jimmy Davies (1960-62) also swept three straight.

The USAC Kenyon Midget Car series opener is also slated Sunday at Anderson. Kyle Hamilton won last year's Kenyon Midget championship. A 30-lap feature is on tap for the Kenyon Midgets.

Anderson Speedway has a rich tradition of USAC Midget racing, dating back to a June, 1960 race won by A.J. Foyt. In the 72 Midget races held there to date Bobby East, who is expected to compete Sunday, has five victories, while Tracy Hines, with three wins to his credit at the 1/4-mile oval, is also among early entries.

Bryan Clauson won last year's USAC National Midget race at Anderson, held in September.

-credit: usac