USAC/CRA: Manzanita race notes

Darland, Kruseman Star In Manzy'S 4TH "Sokola Classic"

Dave Darland and Cory Kruseman were the winners in the 4th "Sokola Classic" USAC/CRA Sprint Car events at Manzanita Speedway in Phoenix, Ariz. Friday and Saturday.

Kruseman, of Ventura, Calif., wheeled Mark Alexanders's La Villa Restaurant/Agromin Stinger/Priestley to victory in Saturday night's 40-lapper, while Darland put the Ben Lancaster JE Pistons/Discount Tool Repair Renegade/Pick's in Friday night's victory lane at the 1/2-mile dirt oval.

Kruseman started third and caught Tony Jones on lap 18 of Saturday night's race and led the rest of the way to beat Jeremy Sherman, Tracy Hines, Rickie Gaunt and Troy Rutherford. On Friday, Darland led all 20 laps to beat Hines, Gaunt, Eric Wilkins and Damion Gardner.

Kruseman also emerged as the series point leader by 20 points over Gardner as the series now prepares for an April 3 race at Kings Speedway in Hanford, Calif.

Bud Kaeding escaped injury in two violent flips during Saturday night's program. He flipped hard during the first heat, returned to win the semi in his repaired car, then flipped hard again during the feature.

VALVOLINE USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1.-Cory Kruseman-177
2.-Damion Gardner-157
3.-Rip Williams-140
4.-Troy Rutherford-138
5.-Rickie Gaunt-133
6.-Tracy Hines-28
7.-Mike Kirby-117
8.-Jeremy Sherman-111
9.-Tony Jones-108
10.-Josh Ford-98

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