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USAC: Lewis edges Kahne in USAC's closest finish ever

2 July 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Michael Lewis of Noblesville, Ind. and Kasey Kahne of Enumclaw, Wash. raced to a photo-finish in Friday night's nationally-televised (ESPN) MCI WorldCom USAC National Midget Car race at the Anderson Speedway. Lewis was declared the winner by inches after leading all 40 laps. The finish was the closest in the 45-year history of USAC competition with the two cars virtually side-by-side at the checkered flag!

Lewis and his Lewis Brothers Tool Rental/A & C Trucking/Concrete Connection Pink Chevy/Beast were trailed by Kahne, David Gough, Tracy Hines and Aaron Fike. Lewis victory was his first in USAC National competition, although he won a Speedrome Regional Midget Series feature at Anderson in 1996.

The MCI WorldCom National Midget Car Series now prepares for a Sunday night, July 9 date at the Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway which will also serve as the opening event in USACs brand-new Dirt-Track Regional Midget Car Series. Points will be awarded toward both series championships, with a 40-lap feature event planned at the -mile dirt track.

Kahnes Anderson finish left him with a 37-point lead over Jay Drake in the new National standings. Drake finished sixth at Anderson after posting the fastest qualifying time.

USAC MCI WORLDCOM NATIONAL MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1. Kasey Kahne 371
2. Jay Drake 334
3. Dave Darland 301
4. Michael Lewis 291
5. A.J. Fike 241
6. John Heydenreich 218
7. Jimmy McCune 205
8. Tracy Hines 192
9. Ryan Newman 192
10. Aaron Fike 186

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.