---

USAC: Darland surprises Salem Midget field, Eyes Winchester

15 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Dave Darland of Kokomo, Ind. hopes to complete back-to-back victories on Indiana's two high-banked 1/2-mile paved ovals this Sunday afternoon when the USAC MCI WorldCom Midget Cars visit the Winchester (Ind.) Speedway. A 30-lap feature is on tap, following practice at 11 am, qualifying at 1 pm and preliminary races, starting at 2.

Darland led at the start and finish of Saturday night's 30-lap "Joe James/Pat O'Connor Classic" feature at the Salem (Ind.) Speedway. In between, Ryan Newman led 13 laps but a tire problem forced him out after 23 laps. Darland then led the final seven laps in his Wynn's/Ford/PRI Beast to beat Clay Klepper, Sarah McCune, Jay Drake and Aaron Pollock to the checkered flag. The win bolstered his third-place ranking in the series standings behind Kasey Kahne and Drake.

Kahne, who was among heat race winners, finished sixth at Salem and continues his quest of the MCI WorldCom National Midget Car title this Sunday at Winchester.

Dane Carter established a new 1-lap track qualifying record of 15.958 seconds during Salem time trials.

USAC MCI WORLDCOM NATIONAL MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1. Kasey Kahne 757
2. Jay Drake 606
3. Dave Darland 546
4. Michael Lewis 506
5. A.J. Fike 461
6. Tracy hines 422
7. Ed Carpenter 399
8. Aaron Fike 396
9. Clay Klepper 369
10. Ryan Scott 350

Text provided by Dick Jordan

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.