Joliet, Anderson preview

Bobby East of Brownsburg, Ind. continues his quest of his initial USAC National Midget Car Championship Friday night at Joliet, Ill. and Saturday night at Anderson, Ind. He holds a comfortable lead over runner-up Josh Wise going into the two weekend races.

East's four 2004 feature wins have come on dirt surfaces, so Joliet's Route 66 Raceway will offer a friendly surface as the National Midgets join the Valvoline National Sprint Cars for a "doubleheader," with a pair of 30-lap features on tap. Practice at Joliet starts at 5 and qualifying begins at 6. Racing gets under way at 7.

Saturday night's race at Anderson (Ind.) Speedway's 1/4-mile pavement also offers East an opportunity for repeat victory, as he has scored there before. A 40-lapper tops the card after practice at 4, qualifying at 5:30 and prelims, staring at 7:30.

USAC NATIONAL MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS
1.-Bobby East-992
2.-Josh Wise-748
3.-Tom Hessert-553
4.-Brad Kuhn-541
5.-Ron Gregory-508
6.-Dave Steele-495
7.-Davey Ray-492
8.-Dave Darland-488
9.-Teddy Beach-482
10.-Cole Carter-477

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