WS: Washington preview

Back-to-back appearances at two paved speedways in the Evergreen State of Washington await USAC's Western Sprint Car participants this weekend as the series returns there after a successful 2003 engagement.

Michael Lewis of Noblesville, Ind., who trails series leader Brad Bumgarner by 42 points in this year's standings, won last year's 40-lapper at East Wenatchee, the first USAC race in Washington in 17 years.

Friday night's venue is South Sound Speedway in Tenino, a 3/8-mile paved oval where practice starts at 4 pm. Saturday's event is at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, a 5/8-mile paved oval which opens with practice at 1 pm. Both feature events are 40 laps.

Bumgarner finished 12th in last year's East Wenatchee race and looks to do better in this year's Washington events as he seeks his initial USAC driving title. In four starts this year he has finished no worse than fourth and he won the last series outing at Tucson, Ariz.

Both the Tenino and Monroe ovals have hosted USAC racing events in the past, involving the USAC Midgets and Supermodifieds, but these will be the first USAC Sprint races at each track.

USAC VALVOLINE WESTERN SPRINT CAR SERIES STANDINGS
1.-Brad Bumgarner-240
2.-Michael Lewis-198
3.-Brian McClish-194
4.-Greg Anderson-192
5.-Michael Trimble-184
6.-Tim Barber-182
7.-Tony Hunt-174
8.-Shauna Hogg-169
9.-Mike Murgoitio-157
10.-Greg Taylor-123

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