WM: Stockton doubleheader preview

MIDGETS EYE 100-LAP "GERHARDT CLASSIC" AT STOCKTON

The USAC Western Midget Car Series resumes this Sunday at the Stockton (Calif.) 99 Speedway and the feature event, part of the "Fred Gerhardt Open Wheel Classic" USAC "tripleheader" program, will be 100 laps.

Sunday's race is one of only two at the 100-lap distance this year for the Western Midgets, the other coming November 24 in the "Turkey Night Grand Prix" at Irwindale, Calif.

Jerome Rodela, who trails series point leader Robby Flock by 93 points in the current standings, appears to have an edge going into the Gerhardt 100-lapper. In two 100-lap races last year, Rodela finished seventh and fifth, while Flock did not start either race.

Flock, however, is one of four drivers in the series "top-10" who has won a race this year. He is joined by two-time series winners Tyler Brown and Ryan Kaplan, plus Garrett Hansen, who also owns a 2005 victory.

USAC regulars will have also to keep an eye on Brian Olson, who won the August 27 "tuneup" at Stockton.

USAC WESTERN MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS
1.-Robby Flock-608
2.-Jerome Rodela-515
3.-Tyler Brown-441
4.-Ryan Kaplan-429
5.-Stephen Graves-408
6.-Garrett Hansen-404
7.-Brad Galedrige-323
8.-Chris Rahe-304
9.-Scott Pierovich-303
10.-Dallen McKenney-292

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