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USAC: Tyler takes Orlando Silver Bullet Opener; 'Copper World' this weekend

31 January 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Brian Tyler of Parma, Mich. outran defending USAC Coors Light Silver Bullet Champion Ryan Newman to win Saturday's 50-mile series opener at Walt Disney World Speedway. Tyler and Newman headline a field of over 50 entrants for this coming weekend's 23rd Annual "Copper World Classic" at Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway. A 50-mile feature on Sunday, follows Friday practice and Saturday qualifying at the desert mile.

Tyler's victory in the race which immediately followed the Delphi Indy 200 IRL opener on the WDWS 1-mile paved oval, was worth $12,350 from the total purse of $73.212. "It's always fun to race with Ryan," said Tyler after the race. "You can trust him." Tyler had few laps on the track before Saturday's race. Rain forced cancellation of Friday's scheduled qualifying and Tyler's crew had to replace a fuel pump after just a few practice laps.

Tyler started next to pole starter Dave Darland and led the opening lap in his Kroger/Pringles/Sunny Delight Special. On lap two he yielded to 1998 series champion Jason Leffler, who led the next 13 laps. Newman caught Leffler on lap 15 and led for 27 laps before Tyler made his winning move in turn one on lap 42. Tyler led the final eight laps to beat Newman by about six car lengths but lap 46 provided some of the best competition all day. Tyler led down the home stretch but Newman ducked beneath him in turn one. Exiting turn one, Tyler regained the lead. "We were running short on fuel," admitted Newman.

Six yellow flags and one red flag interrupted the 50-lap event. There were no injuries in any of the incidents. Trailing Tyler and Newman at the checkered flag were Gary Hieber, Brad Noffsinger and Chet Fillip.

Saturday's race offered the largest starting field in series history, 43. The original 30-car field was expanded to 43 when rains forced cancellation of the planned qualifications and last chance race.

The Phoenix events, which include Coors Light Silver Bullet, MCI WorldCom National/Western Midget Car, supermodified and stock car racing, open with practice on Friday. Qualifications and "consolation races" are slated Saturday and the first feature gets under way at noon on Sunday. Tony Stewart, a co-owner of the Silver Bullet car which Jason Leffler will drive at Phoenix, won the 1998 "Copper World Classic" 50-miler and Tyler is the defending champion of the race.

USAC COORS LIGHT SILVER BULLET SERIES STANDINGS

1. Brian Tyler 60
2. Ryan Newman 60
3. Gary Hieber 54
4. Brad Noffsinger 51
5. Chet Fillip 48

Text Provided by USAC

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