Eldora, Winchester preview

Hines seeks 3rd "Border Wars" title at Eldora, Winchester.

Defending USAC National Sprint Car Champion Tracy Hines of New Castle, Ind. will defend his "Border Wars" title in this weekend's ninth running of the popular dirt/paved Sprint car "double." Saturday night's race is the "Don Branson/Jud Larson Classic" at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, while Sunday afternoon's "Rich Vogler Classic" is at the Winchester (Ind.) Speedway.

Hines won the "Border Wars" crown in 1999 and last year, while Brian Tyler is a 4-time "Border Wars" titlist (1996, 1997, 1998 and 2000). USAC Silver Crown Champion J.J. Yeley won the 2001 title and Tony Stewart won the inaugural crown in 1995.

The driver earning the most USAC points in the two races will be the 2002 champion and a 30-lap feature event is on tap at each track. Practice at Eldora Saturday gets under way at 6:30 pm and qualifying starts at 7. The first race is at 8. Sunday's Winchester program begins with practice at 11 am and qualifying at 12:30 pm. Racing starts at 2.

Aaron Pierce of Muncie, Ind. and J.J. Yeley of Phoenix, Ariz. are currently tied for the lead in the series standings going into the weekend as a result of Pierce's victory and Yeley's second-place finish in the April 6 series opener at Anderson, Ind.

Jay Drake and Dave Steele are the respective track record holders at teach track. Drake holds the 1-lap Eldora record of 118.172 mph, set in 2000, while Steele set the Winchester mark of 128.333 mph. last year.

USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR SERIES STANDINGS
1. Aaron Pierce 64
2. J.J. Yeley 64
3. Levi Jones 60
4. Tracy Hines 57
5. Bobby East 55
6. Eric Gordon 47
7. Brian Tyler 42
8. Bud Kaeding 42
9. Troy Lowery 37
10. Dave Darland 33

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