USAC: Elliott scores dramatic North Vernon triumph

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

April 24, 2001

"BORDER WARS VII" AT ATTICA & ELDORA FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

"It's a matter of being versatile," says 4-time "Border Wars" champion Brian Tyler. You have to be able to run on different tracks well. This year could be a tough year for the pavement drivers, because both races are on dirt, but it'll be tougher on the dirt drivers too, since there'll be more competition."

"Border Wars VII" unfolds for the Stoops Freightliner USAC Sprint Cars on Friday night at Attica (Ohio) Raceway Park, then concludes on Saturday night with the "Don Branson/Jud Larson Classic" at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. One of the drivers to beat will obviously be the defending Stoops Freightliner Sprint Car Champion ,Tony Elliott of Kokomo, Ind.

Elliott drove his KECO/Hoosier Tire/Lamers Claxton/Stealth to victory in Saturday night's 30-lapper at Twin Cities Raceway Park in North Vernon, Ind. He survived a late-race challenge from Dave Darland which saw the two drivers trade the lead back and forth several times. Elliott finally got back by Darland in traffic on the white-flag lap and posted the win. Fast qualifier Kevin Doty finished third, followed by Kevin Thomas and Bill Rose.

The win left Elliott two points ahead of Darland but just one point behind leader Bud Kaeding in the new Stoops Freightliner standings. Kaeding finished sixth at North Vernon after leading the first six laps of the race.

Practice at Attica Friday starts at 6:15 pm, with qualifying at 6:45 and racing at 8. Saturday's "Branson/Larson" timetable at Eldora has practice at 6:30, qualifying at 7 and racing at 8. A 30-lap feature is on tap at both tracks.

STOOPS FREIGHTLINER USAC SPRINT CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1. Bud Kaeding 109
2. Tony Elliott 108
3. Dave Darland 106
4. Jay Drake 97
5. J.J. Yeley 78
6. Derek Davidson 69
7. David Steele 63
8. Jason McCord 60
9. Bill Rose 52
10. Robbie Rice 51

"BORDER WARS" HISTORY

YEAR
DATE
TRACK
RACE WINNER
CHAMPION& FINISHES

1995, April 1
Eldora, Kevin Doty

1995, April 2
Winchester, Kenny Irwin

Tony Stewart-8th & 2nd
----------------------
1996, August 7
Eldora, Frankie Kerr

1996, August 8
Winchester, Dave Steele

Brian Tyler-5th and 5th
------------------------
1997, May 4
Winchester, Chet Fillip

1997, August 6
Eldora, Brian Tyler

Brian Tyler-2nd & 1st
----------------------
1998, May 2
Eldora, Kevin Doty

1998, May 3
Winchester, Brad Armstrong

Brian Tyler-11th & 2nd
------------------------
1999, May 1
Eldora, Derek Davidson

1999, May 2
Winchester, Dave Steele

Tracy Hines-2nd & 6th
------------------------
2000, April 29
Eldora, Dave Darland

2000, April 30
Winchester, Tracy Hines

Brian Tyler-4th & 3rd

Text Provided By Dick Jordan

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