Hartford and Salem previews

Tony Elliott will try to protect his point lead in the Stoops Freightliner Sprint Car Series this weekend, with back-to-back races on dirt and paved ovals slated in Michigan and Indiana. Friday night’s events are scheduled at the 1/2-mile dirt Hartford Speedway Park oval in Hartford, Michigan, marking the series’ debut at that 1/2-mile dirt oval. A 30-lap feature is on tap, following practice at 6 pm, qualifying at 7 and preliminary races starting at 8. Salem (Ind.) Speedway’s 41st Annual "Joe James/Pat O’Connor Classic" unfolds Saturday night at the 1/2-mile paved oval, featuring the Stoops Freightliner Sprint Cars and the MCI WorldCom National Midget Cars. A 30-lap Midget Car and 50-lap Sprint Car feature are on tap and Dave Darland is the defending Sprint car winner. Practice at Salem gets under way at 4 pm, with qualifying slated at 5:30 and racing at 7. Elliott’s series point lead over recent Pennzoil "Indiana Sprint Week®" Champion Jay Drake stands at 88 points, with 144 available in the two weekend events.

<pre> USAC STOOPS FREIGHTLINER SPRINT CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1. Tony Elliott 945 2. Jay Drake 857 3. Tracy Hines 740 4. J.J. Yeley 729 5. Derek Davidson 706 6. Dave Darland 647 7. Bud Kaeding 604 8. Eric Gordon 593 9. Brian Tyler 533 10. Kasey Kahne 506