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USAC Coors Light Opener Sees One Day Rain Delay

24 January 1999

Orlando, FL - Rains forced an interruption of the 1999 USAC Coors Light Silver Bullet Series opener today (Saturday) at Walt Disney World Speedway.

Only five of the scheduled 50 miles had been completed when heavy rains saturated the Speedway. The remaining 45 miles will be held on Sunday after the completion of the Indy Racing League's TransWorld Diversified Services "Indy 200."

Mike Bliss of Milwaukie, Ore. established a new track record of 135.150 mph. but lost the early race lead to Dave Steele of Tampa, Fla. Steele will resume his number one slot when the race resumes on Sunday. Teammate Kenny Irwin is third, behind Bliss.

Dan Drinan of Indianapolis, Ind. suffered minor burns in a four-car accident on the third lap, necessitating a red flag and lengthy clean-up delay. On the sixth lap, another three-car tangle and the rain forced the final red flag.