WM: Madera preview

HANSEN LEADS WESTERN MIDGETS TO MADERA'S "SUPER SATURDAY"

Garrett Hansen of Manhattan Beach Calif. is atop the latest standings for the USAC Western Midget Series, which makes its 2009 pavement debut Saturday at Madera (Calif.) Speedway as part of the track's "Super Saturday."

Hansen has finished in the "top-10" in all four races so far this season, including a victory at Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway March 21. Hansen did not compete in last year's Midget race at Madera, a 100-lapper won by Billy Wease.

Saturday's race is part of a USAC "doubleheader" at the 1/3-mile oval also featuring the USAC Western Sprint cars in their first appearance of the year.

Following three season-opening National/Western combo races, National drivers dominate the "top-10" in the Western standings, so Saturday's race will impact the points considerably. Josh Ford currently ranks seventh in the standings but could make a huge move forward with a good performance Saturday.

-credit: usac