WS: Irwindale finale preview

HUNT READY TO WRAP UP WESTERN SPRINT SEASON WITH "TURKEY NIGHT" FEATURE VICTORY

Tony Hunt has been here before -- twice. Now, he's ready to capture that elusive USAC Western Sprint Car Series title.

Already with enough points to seal the championship, Hunt hopes to cap that third crown and fifth USAC title of his career Thursday at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway in the annual "Turkey Night Grand Prix," which shares the card with the National/Western Midget 100-lapper and the Ford Focus Midget Nationals.

Hunt leads second-place and defending series runner-up Mike Murgoitio heading into Thursday. Hunt has already claimed the 2006 California Asphalt Sprint Associaton title as well as the Earl's Fast Qualifier award.

But as much as the Californian wants to end the season with a feature victory, he'll face one of the toughest fields of the season.

NASCAR Nextel Cup Series star and former USAC Russell Racing champ Casey Mears, formerly of Bakersfield, Calif., is entered in a car field by Ted Finkenbinder. Also entered is Jason Meyers, a veteran of the inaugural National Sprint Tour season.

Trailing Murgoitio in the point standings are defending USAC Western Sprint Car Series champion Kody Swanson, and Murgoitio's teammate, rookie Bradley Galedrige.

-credit: usac