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USAC: Lewis returns to Anderson as points leader Sunday

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
March 27, 2001

Michael Lewis of Noblesville, Ind. returns to the site of one of his most spectacular performances Sunday afternoon as the WorldCom USAC National Midget Car Series visits the Anderson (Ind.) Speedway as part of the second annual "Glen Niebel Classic" presented by the Stoops Automotive Group.

Lewis beat Kasey Kahne in the closest finish in USAC racing history in last year's June 30 contest at Anderson and two weeks ago won the opening race of the 2001 season at Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway. His "Copper World" triumph put him atop the National series standings going into Sunday's Anderson race.

A 50-lap feature awaits the Midget Cars, who share Sunday's Anderson classic with the Stoops Freightliner Sprint Cars, also slated for a 50-lap main event on the 1/4-mile paved oval.

Practice gets under way at 10:30 am and qualifying starts at 12:30 pm. The first race is at 2.

Jay Drake, whose 19 USAC feature victories last year tied the all-time USAC single-season record, returns as the defending winner of Sunday's "Glen Niebel Classic" Midget Car race. He finished fifth in the season-opening "Copper World" 25-miler at Phoenix and currently is fifth in the series standings.

Kahne, who originally finished second to Lewis at Phoenix before a post-race technical inspection resulted in disqualification of his car, is anxious to earn valuable points toward repeating as the series champion.

USAC WORLDCOM NATIONAL MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1. Michael Lewis 61
2. J.J. Yeley 58
3. A.J. Fike 57
4. Aaron Fike 51
5. Jay Drake 48
6. Mike Bliss 45
7. Aaron Pollock 42
8. Tony Ave 39
9. John Nervo 31
10. Steven Robertson 29

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.