Winchester preview

SPRINTS READY FOR "SHOW-ME" STATE RETURN AND SUNDAY'S "KENNY IRWIN MEMORIAL" AT WINCHESTER

The USAC Sprint Cars will make their first dirt-track appearance in Missouri in a couple of years Friday when they visit Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon for the first time ever. Sunday afternoon, the Winchester (Ind.) Speedway will host the inaugural "Kenny Irwin Memorial" race on its half-mile high-banked paved oval.

Josh Wise leads the series standings heading into the two events, carrying a 22-point lead over Tony Stewart Racing teammate Levi Jones, the defending series titlist.

Tony Elliott won USAC's last Sprint race in the "Show-Me" state, at I-44 Speedway in Lebanon in 2004.

The Eldon event also includes the USAC National Midgets and 30-lap features are on tap for both series. Sunday's "Kenny Irwin Memorial" at Winchester is also a 30-lapper. Irwin, who was fatally injured in a NASCAR event at New Hampshire International Speedway in 2000, won three races at Winchester, in Midgets in 1992 and 1993 and Sprints in 1995.

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