WM: Ventura preview

J-Rod "Showdown" Saturday at Ventura

Johnny Rodriguez and Jerome Rodela lead the USAC Western Midget Car point standings going into this Saturday night's race at the Ventura (Calif.) Raceway. A 30-lap feature is on tap at the 1/5-mile dirt track.

Rodriguez, of Elk Grove, Calif., leads Rodela, of El Monte, Calif., by 94 points going into the Ventura program. Rodriguez fared the best in USAC's April Midget race at Ventura won by Garrett Hansen.

Rodriguez finished third in the April feature, while Rodela was 10th. So far this season Rodriguez has five "top-10" finishes in 10 starts, including a second and third in the last three races. Rodela has finished second or third in six of the last eight Western Midget features. Rodriguez is seeking his initial series victory, while Rodela won a race in 2002.

USAC WESTERN MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS
1.-Johnny Rodriguez-519
2.-Jerome Rodela-425
3.-Wally Pankratz-393
4.-Dallen McKenney-346
5.-Steve Paden-332
6.-Garrett Hansen-328
7.-Robby Flock-308
8.-Tyler Brown-265
9.-Matt Mitchell-260
10.-Shannon McQueen-210

-usac-