Phoenix Copper World Race Review

Tony Stewart of Rushville, Ind. captured Sunday’s 25-mile MCI WorldCom USAC National/Western Midget Car series opener at Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway. The victory in the 23rd "Copper World Classic" came in the Wynn’s/Ford/ASE/Performance Racing Industry Beast.

Stewart battled new track record holder Ryan Newman the entire race and passed him on the white-flag lap to lead the final two circuits around the 1-mile paved oval. Newman finished second after leading 21 of the 25 laps. Dave Darland, A.J. Fike and Steve Paden rounded out the "top-five" at the checkered flag.

Newman had won the pole starting spot on Saturday at 135.358 mph and now leads both the National and Western Midget Car series standings after the series opener.

Jay Drake won Saturday’s 10-lap consolation race.

The National series resumes action April 2 at the Anderson (Ind.) Speedway, while the Western series resumes action March 11 at Bakersfield, Calif.

MCI WORLDCOM NATIONAL MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1.      Ryan Newman             65
2.      Dave Darland            57
3.      A.J. Fike               53
4.      Steve Paden             48
5.      John Heydenreich        45
6.      Jay Drake               42
7.      Jimmy McCune            39
8.      Clay Klepper            36
9.      Ryan Scott              33
10.     Ronnie Johncox          31

MCI WORLDCOM WESTERN MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1.      Ryan Newman             65
2.      Dave Darland            57
3.      A.J. Fike               53
4.      Steve Paden             48
5.      John Heydenreich        45
6.      Jay Drake               42
7.      Jimmy McCune            39
8.      Clay Klepper            36
9.      Ryan Scott              33
10.     Ronnie Johncox          31

-USAC-