Weekend News 1999-08-16

Defending MCI WorldCom USAC National Midget Car Champion Jason Leffler captured Saturday night's 40-lap feature at the Mount Lawn Speedway in New Castle, Ind. The win not only enhanced his chances for becoming the first driver to win three straight MCI WorldCom National titles in 37 years, it extended the #9 Wynn's/ASE/Beast victory streak to six! Leffler, who is trying to match the feat of three consecutive USAC National titles achieved by Shorty Templeman (1956-58) and Jimmy Davies (1960-62), led all but the opening lap of Saturday night's race at the 4/10-mile paved oval after passing last year's New Castle winner Brian Gerster, who finished second. Jon Herb, Michael Lewis and Tracy Hines rounded out the "top-five" at the checkered flag. Leffler now prepares for this Wednesday night's CVS Pharmacy "Mel Kenyon Classic" at Indianapolis Raceway Park, trying to add a seventh straight win for the #9 Steve Lewis machine. The streak started with the July 10 "Summer Sizzle '99" and continued at Anderson, Ind. July 31, Lincoln, Neb. August 3 and Belleville, Kans. August 5 and 7. Dave Darland was the driver at Lincoln and Belleville. Wednesday night's race at IRP honors USAC's only 7-time MCI WorldCom National Champ, Mel Kenyon, who owns 111 career National victories. Practice at IRP opens at 6 pm and qualifying gets under way at 7. The first race starts at 8 and the feature is a 40-lapper. Leffler was also the fastest qualifier at New Castle but failed to win his heat race. Ryan Scott escaped injury when he flipped on the 36th lap of the feature.

MCI WORLDCOM/USAC NATIONAL MIDGET CAR STANDINGS

1.      Jason Leffler   279             6.      Brian Gerster   143
2.      Ryan Newman     198             7.      Dave Darland    128
3.      Jerry Coons Jr. 193             8.      A.J. Fike       119
4.      Tracy Hines     155             9.      Jay Drake       119
5.      Ricky Shelton   151             10.     Clay Klepper    111