Salem: "James/O'Connor Classic" preview

STEELE TO DEFEND 2 "JAMES/O'CONNOR" TITLES SATURDAY

Tampa, Fla. driver Dave Steele will defend a pair of Jasper Engines & Transmissions "Joe James/Pat O'Connor Classic" titles Saturday night when the 46th running of the event unfolds at the storied Salem (Ind.) Speedway.

Steele ranks ninth in the current USAC National Midget points, but leads USAC's Weld Racing Silver Crown Series standings. Saturday night's program includes a 30-lap National Midget feature and a 50-lap Valvoline National Sprint Car feature.

Josh Wise enters the Salem program as the National Midget point leader, 92 points ahead of recent Belleville Midget National Champion Jerry Coons, Jr. Defending National Midget Champ Bobby East is third in the current points.

Saturday's Salem activities begin with vintage car warm-ups at 4 pm, followed by USAC practice at 4:30. The first heat races start at 7:15.

USAC NATIONAL MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS
1.-Josh Wise-599
2.-Jerry Coons, Jr.-507
3.-Bobby East-429
4.-Ron Gregory-426
5.-Teddy Beach-376
6.-Tom Hessert III-374
7.-Brad Kuhn-361
8.-Jay Drake-326
9.-Dave Steele-321
10.-Michael Lewis-309

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