WM: Madera III: Race recap

Hunt grabs Madera Midget 30-lapper.
Flock's Western Midget point lead down to 13.

Tony Hunt of Fair Oaks, Calif. came from 10th starting position in 10 laps to take the lead and eventually win Saturday night's 30-lap "Harvest Classic" USAC Western Midget Car feature at the Madera (Calif.) Speedway.

Hunt posted the fastest qualifying time in his Mr Espresso/GSL, Inc. Brayton Chevy/Beast and led the final 21 laps to beat Jerome Rodela, Robby Flock, Floyd Alvis and Wally Pankratz to the checkered flag. Rodela's finish enabled him to slice Flock's series point lead to just 13 points going into an October 5 race at Perris, Calif.

Danny Stratton, second in series points entering the Madera race, now trails Flock by 42 after dropping out of the Madera feature after 16 laps due to a broken oil pump.

Hunt and Alex Harris won preliminary heat races at Madera. Tim Joyce led the opening lap of the feature and Van Knill led the next eight before falling to Hunt's charge.

USAC WESTERN MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS
1. Robby Flock 667
2. Jerome Rodela 654
3. Danny Stratton 625
4. Wally Pankratz 558
5. Shane Scully 538
6. Van Knill 385
7. Josh Wise 366
8. Matt Rossi 349
9. Jimmy Christian 342
10. Dallen McKenney 341

-usac-