WS: Rocky Mountain preview

TORRID WESTERN SPRINT POINT RACE IGNITES THIS SATURDAY AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN RACEWAYS

One of USAC's most hotly-contested point races of 2005 resumes this Saturday at Rocky Mountain Raceways in Salt Lake City, Utah as the Valvoline Western Sprint Cars attack the 3/8-mile paved oval in the Utah capital.

Two-time series champion Tony Hunt of Fair Oaks, Calif. leads the standings, but there are numerous drivers within striking range with 74 points available at Salt Lake City.

Adding to the suspense will be the challenges from the track's regulars, stars of the USAC/SLVRA Young Automotive Group Rocky Mountain Sprint Car Series, led by Jimmy Wysong and defending two-time champ Jim Waters.

Despite "top-five" finishes in all six previous series races, Hunt is seeking his first win of 2005 in this Saturday's 40-lapper. Series runner-up Kody Swanson, only 11 points in arrears, has a victory, two seconds, a third and a fourth in six starts, while third-ranking Tim Barber has a first, second, third, fourth and two sixths in six starts so far this season!

USAC VALVOLINE WESTERN SPRINT CAR SERIES STANDINGS
1.-Tony Hunt-363
2.-Kody Swanson-352
3.-Tim Barber-349
4.-Mike Murgoitio-312
5.-Brad Bumgarner-292
6.-Brian McClish-281
7.-Michael Trimble-264
8.-Cody Veenstra-262
9.-Chris Peterson-201
10.-Shauna Hogg-197

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