WM: Phoenix: Race notes

Dave Steele of Tampa, Fla. captured Saturday's 25-mile "Little Trees" Twin 25s USAC National Midget Car opener at Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway. The race offered points toward both the National and Western Midget Car Series championships.

Steele set a new track qualifying record of 136.178 mph during Friday qualifications, then led all but seven laps of the feature, part of PIR's "Copper World Indy 200" weekend.

Defending National Midget Car Champion Dave Darland led laps 13-19 before yielding to Steele for the final six laps around the 1-mile paved oval. Darland finished second ahead of James Chesson, Kasey Kahne and J.J. Yeley.

Steele emerged as the new National point leader going into the April 7 "Glen Niebel Classic" at the Anderson (Ind.) Speedway.

Robby Flock of Murrieta, Calif. is the new Western Midget Car point leader after finishing 10th in Saturday's race. The Western series resumes April 6 at the Madera (Calif.) Speedway.

Saturday's race was interrupted twice by flips. Travis Miniea flipped on lap 13 and Tracy Hines flipped on lap 23 but both drivers escaped injury.

USAC NATIONAL MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1. Dave Steele 66
2. Dave Darland 57
3. James Chesson 56
4. Kasey Kahne 51
5. J.J. Yeley 48
6. Aaron Fike 45
7. Steve Paden 42
8. Aaron Pollock 39
9. Ryan Scott 36
10. Steve Barth 31

USAC WESTERN MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1. Shane Scully 88
2. Robby Flock 67
3. Dave Steele 66
4. Dave Darland 57
5. James Chesson 56
6. Kasey Kahne 51
7. J.J. Yeley 48
8. Aaron Fike 45
9. Josh Wise 44
10. Steve Paden 42

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