COONS, RODRIGUEZ LEAD MIDGETS TO PIR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                         NOVEMBER 5, 2007

Contact: DICK JORDAN                                                                                                                                     07-263

 

 

COONS, RODRIGUEZ LEAD MIDGETS TO "COPPER WORLD"

THURSDAY AT PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

 

 

            Jerry Coons Jr. and Johnny Rodriguez lead their respective USAC Midget series point standings into Thursday's "Copper World Classic" at Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway. Coons, of Tucson, Ariz., is seeking his second straight National championship, while Rodriguez, of Elk Grove, Calif., is also seeking a second Western title. Thursday's race offers points toward both series championships.

 

            A 25-mile Midget feature is planned on the P.I.R. mile, part of Thursday's open-wheel activity which also includes a 100-mile K & N USAC Silver Crown race.

 

            A stellar field of Midgets is expected for the penultimate race of the 2007 season, which concludes Nov. 22 at Irwindale, Calif. Dave Steele of Tampa, Fla. is the defending champion and will make his first USAC appearance in more than six months.

 

            Steele holds the 1-lap PIR Midget qualifying record of 138.201 mph, set in 2004. Dan Drinan set the 25-mile standard of 128.822 in 1995.

 

 

USAC NATIONAL MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS

 

      1.
     Jerry Coons Jr.
     1,199
      
     6.
     Kevin Swindell
     902
     
      2.
     Darren Hagen
     1,084
      
     7.
     Levi Jones
     849
     
      3.
     Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
     1,043
      
     8.
     Brady Bacon
     756
     
      4.
     Brad Kuhn
     984
      
     9.
     Brad Loyet
     667
     
      5.
     Dave Darland
     956
      
     10.
     Danny Stratton
     633
     

 

USAC WESTERN MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS

 

      1.
     Johnny Rodriguez
     924
      
     6.
     Robby Flock
     470
     
      2.
     Scott Pierovich
     830
      
     7.
     C.J. Sarna
     430
     
      3.
     Matt Mitchell
     686
      
     8.
     Quintin Crye
     417
     
      4.
     Shannon McQueen
     591
      
     9.
     Jerome Rodela
     394
     
      5.
     Chris Rahe
     515
      
     10.
     Randi Pankratz
     368