USAC: Kaeding returns to Twin Cities Saturday to challenge Davidson

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

April 17, 2001

Derek Davidson leads the Stoops Freightliner Sprint Car Series into Saturday night's race at the Twin Cities Raceway Park dirt track with a slim six-point lead over Dave Steele, but third-ranking Bud Kaeding is expected to be a bigger threat to Davidson's lead when the 30-lap feature event gets under way.

Davidson won the "Glen Niebel Classic" series opener April 8 at Anderson, Ind. but Kaeding won last year's "Indiana Sprint Week" opener at North Vernon and is anxious to return to the 3/8-mile dirt track.

"I don't look at myself as the guy to beat Saturday," Kaeding admits. "But I think we've got a good shot at the top-five. Last year I didn't qualify very well at North Vernon and I started 17th, but yellow flags helped. Before I knew it I was in the top-five and all of a sudden I was leading! But I have to admit, there's a lot of talent coming this Saturday and it'll be hard to repeat."

Kaeding admits he liked Twin Cities Raceway Park the first time he saw it. "I'm excited about going back," he adds. "I had engine problems in a non-sanctioned race there a couple of weeks ago but I think we've solved them and we should be good this Saturday. Obviously the win last year gives me more confidence this time around."

Practice begins at 6 pm and qualifying starts at 6:30. The first race is scheduled for 7:30. Drivers will be aiming at Richard Griffin's 1-lap track record of 13.910 seconds, set back in 1997.

STOOPS FREIGHTLINER USAC SPRINT CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1. Derek Davidson 69
2. David Steele 63
3. Bud Kaeding 62
4. Jason McCord 60
5. Jay Drake 55
6. Dave Darland 46
7. Kasey Kahne 45
8. Justin Marvel 41
9. Tony Elliott 39
10. J.J. Yeley 33

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.