Pikes Peak: "Rocky Mountain Classic" preview

Bobby East of Brownsburg, Ind., the only driver with victories in all three USAC National racing series this year, will try for a "clean sweep" this weekend when all three compete at Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, Colo.

East currently leads the National Midget Car Series en route to what would be his initial USAC National driving championship. His eight USAC feature wins this season include races in five different series, with National Midget wins coming at Irwindale, Calif., Terre Haute, Ind. and Rossburg, Ohio.

Bobby finished fourth in last year's "Rocky Mountain Classic" Midget race won by Dave Steele.

Johnny Rodriguez of Elk Grove, Calif. currently leads the USAC Western Midget Car Series going into the Colorado race, which awards both National and Western points.

Saturday's "Rocky Mountain Classic" timetable at PPIR has practice starting at 9 am and qualifying beginning at 1 pm. A Midget and Sprint car "qualifying race" are also slated Saturday. Sunday's schedule has warm-ups beginning at 2 pm and the Silver Crown "qualifying race" at 3. The 30-mile Midget feature starts at 4:45, followed by the 30-mile Sprint car feature and the 100-mile Weld Racing Silver Crown race. Midway concerts and a spectacular 9:15 pm fireworks display conclude the weekend activity.

Former USAC driving champion Ryan Newman holds the 1-lap PPIR Midget qualifying record of 139.265 mph, set in 1997.

USAC NATIONAL MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS
1.-Bobby East-506
2.-Josh Wise-374
3.-Dave Darland-352
4.-Davey Ray-340
5.-Cole Carter-323
6.-Teddy Beach-306
7.-Tom Hessert-267
8.-Brad Kuhn-252
9.-Brian Gerster-226
10.-Ron Gregory-209