Salem wrapup, Tri-City preview

3 TOP SPRINTERS GEAR UP FOR GRANITE CITY
TYLER TAKES 46TH "JAMES/O'CONNOR" 50-LAPPER AT SALEM

Levi Jones, Dave Darland and Jay Drake will take their 3-way duel for the 2005 Valvoline USAC National Sprint Car Championship to the Tri-City Speedway in Granite City, Ill. on Wednesday night, Aug. 24, separated by only 16 points! A total of 74 points are available at the 1/2-mile dirt oval.

The three point leaders finished fourth (Jones), seventh (Darland) and sixth (Drake) respectively in Saturday night's 50-lap feature at the Salem (Ind.) Speedway.

Brian Tyler of Parma, Mich. led all 50 laps of the 46th Jasper Engines & Transmissions "Joe James/Pat O'Connor Classic," giving car owner Dynamics, Inc. its record 62nd career USAC National Sprint Car victory. Tyler and the Kroger/Tide, Bounty/Pringles Beast/Mopar were trailed by Marc Jessup, Josh Wise, Jones and Dave Steele. Drake was the fastest qualifier.

Jones is seeking his initial USAC driving championship, while Darland is a USAC "Triple Crown" Champion and Drake is the defending series titlist.

USAC VALVOLINE NATIONAL SPRINT CAR SERIES STANDINGS
1.-Levi Jones-987
2.-Dave Darland-976
3.-Jay Drake-971
4.-Josh Wise-879
5.-Bud Kaeding-809
6.-Mat Neely-728
7.-Jon Stanbrough-594
8.-Darren Hagen-492
9.-Justin Marvel-448
10.-Tracy Hines-439

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