FF: CD: Bakersfield dirt oval race one preview

FOCUSES JOIN CRA SPRINTS SATURDAY NIGHT AT BAKERSFIELD SPEEDWAY

A new twist in USAC's California Ford Focus Midget Car Series programming debuts this Saturday night at Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway as part of a "doubleheader' racing program featuring the Valvoline USAC/CRA Sprint Cars.

The Focuses will compete on the 1/3-mile dirt oval in the first of 22 races for the series on dirt tracks in 2005. Unlike 2004, when champions were crowned in North and South California series, this year's slate is split between dirt and paved tracks. The pavement opener was conducted February 5 at Blythe with Matt Triplett of Albuquerque, N.M. the winner.

A 20-lap feature is on tap at Bakersfield, which will also host Focus races April 16, May 14 and July 9. Other tracks also involved in this year's "dirt" slate include Ventura Raceway, Watsonville Speedway, Santa Maria Speedway, Petaluma Speedway and Kings Speedway in Hanford.

Bradley Galedrige won last year's California North title, while Chris Rahe was last year's California South champion.

Chase Barber of Morgan Hill, Calif., who finished third in both the North and South 2004 standings, and two-time USAC TQ Midget Champion Alex Harris of Simi Valley, Calif. are expected to be among favorites for the Bakersfield race.

The Valvoline USAC/CRA Sprint Cars have a 30-lap feature on tap.

--USAC--