WM: Weekend news 2005-08-29

STOCKTON GEARS UP FOR SEPT. 11 "FRED GERHARDT CLASSIC"
OLSON SURPRISES FIELD WITH 50-LAP MIDGET VICTORY

Stockton (Calif.) 99 Speedway is gearing up for the big "Fred Gerhardt Open Wheel Classic" Sept. 11, featuring the USAC Western Midgets, Valvoline USAC Western Sprint Cars and USAC California Pavement Ford Focus Midgets.

Brian Olson tuned up for the big event with a surprise 50-lap victory in Saturday night's USAC Western Midget Car race at Stcokton, leading the final 43 laps after passing Brian Gard on lap eight. Olson, the 2003 WMRA "Rookie of the Year," wheeled his Ford Powertram Applications/Performance Coatings Beast/Ford to victory, beating Ryan Kaplan, Bradley Galedrige, Robby Flock and Ben Petter. Fast qualifier Tony Hunt finished sixth.

Flock's finish allowed him to maintain a 93-point lead over Jerome Rodela in the Western Midget Series standings. Rodela was 10th in the Stockton race.

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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