FF: CD: Ventura finale preview

MICHNOWICZ LEADS DIRT FOCUSES TO VENTURA FINALE Bobby Michnowicz is in the catbird's seat for his first career USAC title, having spent several seasons competing in selected USAC events. Now, he'll carry a 17-point lead into the season ...

MICHNOWICZ LEADS DIRT FOCUSES TO VENTURA FINALE

Bobby Michnowicz is in the catbird's seat for his first career USAC title, having spent several seasons competing in selected USAC events.

Now, he'll carry a 17-point lead into the season finale for the California Ford Focus Dirt Midget Car Series this Saturday at Ventura (Calif.) Raceway.

Michnowicz, of Harbor City, Calif., has been battling with Keith Janca nearly all season for the title, with each participant holding the point lead at least twice. But in the latest event last month at Ventura, Janca -- who entered the race as the point leader -- finished last, while Michnowicz was second.

Janca dropped to third in the standings behind Chris Veach, who inserted himself in the title fight midway through the season. Veach, the runner-up in last year's Ford Focus Nationals, is only 17 points behind. Janca is another 18 behind Veach and 35 behind Michnowicz.

Chase Barber, now a frequent competitor in the Western Midget Car Series, is the defending champion.