Texas recap, Irwindale preview

"TURKEY NIGHT" MIDGET FINALE NOV. 23 AT IRWINDALE; STEELE TAKES "ALLSTATE TEXAS LIGHTNING 40"

Jerry Coons Jr. of Tucson, Ariz. took another step closer to his first USAC National driving title Saturday, finishing 10th in the "Allstate Texsas Lightning 40" at Kyle, Texas. He'll try to protect his 54-point lead over defending USAC National Midget Champion Josh Wise in the series finale Nov. 23 at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway. A total of 66 points are available in the 66th "Turkey Night Grand Prix" program at Irwindale, which means third-ranking Dave Darland is also mathematically in the title chase, 58 behind Coons.

Dave Steele of Tampa, Fla. won Saturday's 40-lap race, the first for USAC Midgets in the Lone Star State in 34 years. He led all 40 laps despite constant pressure from challengers Stephanie Mockler and Kevin Swindell to win in the Nine Racing Toyota/Oakley Beast. Tracy Hines, Darland, Kevin Swindell and Brad Loyet rounded out the "top-five," while Wise was ninth.

Inclement weather forced cancellation of Sunday's "Allstate Texas Lightning 100" at the 3/8-mile paved oval.

-credit: usac