USAC: Fonferko wire to wire in Russell Triple Crown opener

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

May 8, 2001

Ross Fonferko of Wheaton, Ill. is the early leader in the USAC Russell Pro Triple Crown Championship after leading all 50 laps of Saturday's race at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif.

Fonferko won the pole starting position with a speed of 92.138 mph, then proceeded to lead all the way to beat David Mayhew, Taylor Fletcher, Victor Hugo Queiroz and JoJo Saunders to the checkered flag. The race was interrupted three times by caution flags.

Lady drivers Christine Saunders and Randi Pankratz finished 11th and 14th respectively in their series debuts.

The Russell Pro Triple Crown Championship resumes June 22-23 at Sears Point Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., with Fonferko leading Mayhew by five points in the standings.

RUSSELL PRO TRIPLE CROWN SERIES STANDINGS

1. Ross Fonferko 26
2. David Mayhew 21
3. Taylor Fletcher 19
4. Victor Hugo Queiroz 17
5. JoJo Saunders 15
6. John Knudsen 14
7. John Shafer 13
8. Cory Turner 12
9. Tim Butler 11
10. Bob Hagerty 10

Text provided by Dick Jordan

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