WS: Tucson preview

Gardner-Hunt Duel Continues At Tucson

The battle between Jeff Gardner of Fresno, Calif. and Tony Hunt of Fair Oaks, Calif. for this year's USAC Western Sprint Car Series championship continues this Saturday night at Tucson (Ariz.) Raceway Park. Only three points separate the two entering the Tucson race.

A 40-lap feature is scheduled on the 3/8-mile paved oval where Hunt and Gardner finished fourth and fifth respectively in May. Hunt was the fastest qualifier in May but Gardner holds the track record of 13.943 seconds, set last year.

Todd Ellison utilized a Tucson victory to help propel him to last year's Western Sprint Car title and Gardner and Hunt are hoping to do the same this season.

Bryan Bullard, who is third in the standings, could offer a serious challenge in Saturday's race, having won races this year at Boise, Ida. and Carson City, Nev. Troy Cline, Damion Gardner and Bobby McMahan are other 2001 race winners who are expected to be among top threats at Tucson.

USAC WESTERN SPRINT CAR SERIES STANDINGS
1. Jeff Gardner 578
2. Tony Hunt 575
3. Bryan Bullard 438
4. Troy Cline 437
5. Ryan Flynn 433
6. Damion Gardner 413
7. Kevin Kierce 367
8. Bobby McMahan 367
9. John Ryals 352
10. Amy Barnes 281

-USAC