WM: Madera race notes, standings

Hunt Wins "Vukovich Classic;" Midgets Eye Kings Saturday

Tony Hunt of Fair Oaks, Calif. thwarted Michael Lewis' bid for victory in Saturday night's 40-lap "Vukovich Classic" Western Midget Car feature at Madera (Calif.) Speedway.

Hunt led the final 15 laps of the USAC/BCRA race in his Western Speed machine after an incident sent teammate and race leader Lewis to the back of the field for a restart on lap 26. Trailing Hunt at the checkered flag were Thomas Meseraull, Jerome Rodela, series point leader Johnny Rodriguez and Garrett Boyden.

Rodriguez emerged with a 58-point lead over Wally Pankratz, who finished seventh at Madera. Pankratz will resume his chase in this Saturday night's Western Midget Car program at Kings Speedway at Hanford, Calif. A 30-lap feature is scheduled on the 3/8-mile dirt Hanford oval.

Hunt was the fastest Madera qualifier and his victory boosted him to eighth in the new series standings. John Sarale led the first nine laps of the Madera race, while Lewis led laps 10-25.

USAC WESTERN MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS
1.-Johnny Rodriguez-284
2.-Wally Pankratz-226
3.-Jerome Rodela-216
4.-Dallen McKenney-185
5.-Michael Lewis-181
6.-Garrett Hansen-170
7.-Matt Mitchell 128
8.-Tony Hunt-127
9.-Bobby East-122
10.-Josh Wise-102

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