WM: Bakersfield recap, Madera preview

WESTERN MIDGETS PREPARE FOR MADERA JULY 7; BRAGG CAN BRAG AFTER BAKERSFIELD WIN

Teammates Johnny Rodriguez and Matt Mitchell stand atop the USAC Western Midget Series standings, preparing for a July 7 race at Madera (Calif.) Speedway. Mitchell sliced the lead to nine points by taking second ahead of Rodriguez, who finished third in Saturday night's 30-lap feature at the Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway.

Greg Bragg of Visalia, Calif. earned his first USAC Western Midget feature victory at Bakersfield, leading all 30 laps in his Mike Walker entry to beat Mitchell, Rodriguez, Scott Pierovich and Danny Ebberts to the checkered flag.

The July 7 race will mark the 100th appearance of the USAC Midgets at the storied oval. In 99 previous races, Davey Hamilton leads with nine career wins, while Billy Vukovich III won eight times. Tony Hunt, who could be among favorites July 7, has seven career Midget wins at the 1/3-mile paved oval.

-credit: usac