WS: Altamont recap, Madera preview

KAPLAN, HELBERG, HUNT CONTINUE POINT BATTLE AT MADERA; SWANSON'S ALTAMONT SPRINT WIN COMPLETES "SWEEP"

Ryan Kaplan, JoJo Helberg and Tony Hunt continue their torrid battle for the 2007 Lucas Oil Western Sprint Car championship Saturday at Madera (Calif.) Speedway. Only 43 points separate the three in the newest series standings.

Helberg finished fourth, Kaplan fifth and Hunt a disappointing 16th in last Saturday's 50-lapper at Altamont Motorsports Park in Tracy. Calif.

Kody Swanson of Kingsburg, Calif. completed a "sweep" on Saturday's Tracy USAC "doubleheader" with his victory in the USAC/CASA Sprint feature. He passed Mike Murgoitio on lap 28 and led the rest of the way in his Keith Williams Eagle/Chevy to beat Murgoitio, Tim Barber, Helberg and Kaplan. Hunt was the fastest qualifier.

Swanson's victory was his fourth this year, including the season opener at Madera. Hunt won at Madera in July and other series winners so far this year have been Tanner Swanson (2), Kaplan (2) and Jimmy Wysong.

-credit: usac