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USAC: Newman grabs 'Sammy Sessions Memorial' 33-lapper at Winchester

26 October 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Ryan Newman of South Bend, Ind. completed an "undefeated" season of MCI WorldCom National Midget Car racing at the Winchester (Ind.) Speedway Sunday, taking the 33-lap "Sammy Sessions Memorial," the final midwestern appearance of the series this year.

Newman took the lead from Jerry Coons, Jr. on lap 10 and stretched his lead the rest of the way in his Newman Motorsports Brayton to score his third Winchester victory of 1999. Coons, who led the first nine laps, finished second, ahead of Dane Carter, Dan Drinan and Michael Lewis.

MCI WorldCom National Midget point leader Jason Leffler finished eighth to nearly clinch his third consecutive series title, a feat not accomplished since 1960-62 when Jimmy Davies was the champion.

Sarah Fisher, who made her Indy Racing League debut in the recent Texas Motor Speedway finale, broke Drinan's 1-lap track qualifying record during time trials with one lap at 122.565 mph. An engine problem forced her out of the feature while running third.

The MCI WorldCom National Midget Car Series resumes November 20 at the Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway in an event also awarding MCI WorldCom Western Midget Car Series points.

MCI WORLDCOM USAC NATIONAL MIDGET CAR STANDINGS

1. Jason Leffler 498
2. Ryan Newman 377
3. Jerry Coons, Jr. 361
4. Tracy Hines 242
5. Jay Drake 235

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