MIDGETS GEAR UP FOR COLUMBUS RETURN STRATTON BLITZES "4-CROWN" FIELD

SEPTEMBER 26, 2005

             The USAC National Midget Car Series is preparing for its 
long-awaited return to the Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway October 8 and 
series point leader Josh Wise hopes to continue his drive toward his 
initial USAC National driving title. The Columbus race will be the first 
for USAC's National Midget Series there in 27 years, although the Ford 
Focus Midgets have competed there the past two seasons.

             Wise emerged from Saturday night's "4-Crown Nationals": at the 
Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio with a 112-point cushion over runner-up 
Jerry Coons Jr. after finishing second to Danny Stratton in the 25-lap 
feature event. Coons failed to finish the race, becoming to first driver to 
retire from the race.

             Stratton, of Riverside, Calif., earned his first National 
feature win in the 25-lapper, leading the final 16 laps in his Lein 
Acres/Midstate Equipment Spike/Esslinger after passing Wise on lap 10. 
"There have been a lot of guys who have won a race here," said Stratton, 
nearly out of breath after climbing the fence on the front straightaway. "I 
can't believe I just won the '4-Crown Nationals.'

             Trailing Stratton at the finish were Wise, Davey Ray, Dave 
Darland and Darren Hagen. Stratton, Friday's fastest qualifier, also won 
his heat race. Darland and Tom Hessert III also won heats and Ray won the semi.

             Eric Wilkins of El Mirage, Ariz. suffered a broken collarbone 
and a broken finger in a flip during Saturday's semi.

USAC NATIONAL MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1.-Josh Wise-934
2.-Jerry Coons, Jr.-822
3.-Brad Kuhn-653
4.-Ron Gregory-582
5.-Tom Hessert III-570
6.-Teddy Beach-533
7.-Darren Hagen-533
8.-Cole Carter-506
9.-Jay Drake-449
10.-Dave Darland-443