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USAC: Hines takes 'Shop n Save 100' at Gateway International

9 May 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Tracy Hines of New Castle, Ind. scored his second consecutive USAC Coors Light Silver Bullet Championship victory in Sunday's "Shop 'N Save 100" at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Ill. Hines also won April 8 at Nazareth, Pa.

Hines passed Jason Leffler on the 67th lap of the 80-lap race around the 1.25-mile paved oval, then led the final 14 laps in his Indiana Underground Construction Special. Hines' victory boosted him into the series point lead going into the May 20 "Coca-Cola 100" at Indianapolis Raceway Park.

Sunday's race, featured on ESPN2, included 10 lead changes among five drivers. Trailing Hines and Leffler at the checkered flag were pole winner Brad Noffsinger, J.J. Yeley and John Heydenreich. Noffsinger established an ultimate series speed record with his qualifying speed of 143.930 mph on Saturday.

"It was a matter of survival," commented Hines in victory lane. "Everybody was together and you had to break away from somebody. Brad was holding Jason and I up because of a blistered tire but Jason gave me a signal and we got past. The last restart really helped me because my car restarts well."

Only four yellow flags interrupted the event but the final one for Tom Capie's spin into the wall in turn three forced a yellow-flag finish.

Although unable to match last year's series record 16 lead changes, the field engaged in numerous position changes at the front in the early laps. "It was real dicey at the start," concluded Hines.

Billy Whittaker of Central Square, N.Y. earned the Oliver Trucking "Rookie of the Race" Award for his 14th place finish, while Jason McCord of Anderson, Ind. won Saturday's 15-mile "qualifying race."

USAC COORS LIGHT SILVER BULLET SERIES STANDINGS

1. Tracy Hines 210
2. Brad Noffsinger 194
3. Brian Tyler 181
4. Dave Darland 147
5. Ryan Newman 142
6. Paul White 132
7. Jason Leffler 129
8. Gary Hieber 119
9. J.J. Yeley 113
10. John Heydenreich 105

Text provided by Dick Jordan

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.