4-CROWN SHOOTOUT AT ELDORA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 18, 2006

Contact: MICHAEL HARKER/DICK JORDAN                                                                                                       06-280

 

 

"4-CROWN" SILVER CROWN SHOOTOUT EXPECTED;

STEELE NAILS IOWA 100-LAP VICTORY

 

 

            Dave Steele claimed the latest victory in the USAC Silver Crown Series presented by K&N Engineering, but only two drivers still have a real chance at claiming the title.

 

            As long as point leader Brian Tyler and Bud Kaeding start both of the final two series races, one of them is assured the title. Kaeding was fifth and Tyler eighth in Sunday's "Iowa 100" at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, and are separated by only eight points heading into this Saturday's Mopar Thunder at the "4-Crown Nationals" at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.

 

            Steele's victory came in dominating fashion, as he led Chilean driver Pablo Donoso and Canadian Pete Shepherd III to the stripe in the series' debut run at the 7/8-mile track. Steele, driving the No. 1 Verizon Wireless/Print Express C&R machine, led 66 laps, including the final 40 when leader Aaron Pierce fell out with ignition problems.

 

            Donoso finished second - a career best - while Shepherd was third and Brazilian Thiago Medeiros was fourth. It was the first time in Silver Crown Series history the Top 4 positions in a race where claimed by drivers from four different countries. Donoso's second was a career best by a South American driver in the series.

 

            Steele's success and Pierce's troubles were both translated into at least Top-6 point performances by season's end. Pierce would have to win both races, win the pole and lead the most laps over the next two races - and hope Tyler and Kaeding fail to make one of two races - to have even a chance to claim the title. Steele would have to hope for the same scenario, except Tyler and Kaeding would have to miss both races.

 

            Preliminaries for the "4-Crown Nationals" begin Friday with practice and qualifying, and a 50-lap race is scheduled to conclude Saturday's festivities.

 

 

 

USAC SILVER CROWN SERIES STANDINGS

 

      1.
     Brian Tyler
     580
      
     6.
     Josh Wise
     393
     
      2.
     Bud Kaeding
     572
      
     7.
     Jay Drake
     332
     
      3.
     Aaron Pierce
     477
      
     8.
     Tim Barber
     303
     
      4.
     Dave Steele
     454
      
     9.
     Bryn Gohn
     303
     
      5.
     Wayne Reutimann
     447
      
     10.
     Pete Shepherd III
     282