HONDA USAC WESTERN MIDGETS INVADE BAKERSFIELD THIS SATURDAY

By Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – APRIL 29, 2014… After a break in the schedule, the popular Honda USAC Western Midget Series will make their first of two appearances at Bakersfield Speedway. Promoted by Scott Schweitzer, the action packed card will also feature Hobby Stocks, American Stocks, and Mini Dwarfs. The Front Gates will open at 4:00pm with Racing scheduled for 6:00pm at “The West’s Fastest 1/3-Mile High Banked Clay Oval.”

Saturday’s event will mark the 98th appearance of the USAC Western Midgets at Bakersfield’s clay oval. P.J. Jones claimed the inaugural victory on July 3, 1987 and 52 drivers have earned feature wins. Sleepy Tripp and Robby Flock are tied for the series lead with eight triumphs followed by Billy Boat (7), Jay Drake (5), and “Flash” Jordan Hermansader (4). On June 21, 1997, Ricky Shelton set the 1-lap qualifying track record of 12.339 on his way to the series championship.

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are Jarid Blondel, Chad Nichols, Ronnie Gardner, Shannon McQueen, Randi Pankratz, Scott Pierovich, Terry Nichols, Johnathon Henry, Kyle Edwards, Nick Chivello, Britton Bock, Sean Dodenhoff, “The Wild Child” Chris Ennis, Ricky Shelton, and more.

Bakersfield Speedway is located at 5001 North Chester Extension in Bakersfield, California. Adult tickets are $16, Senior (65 & older) are $14, Military tickets (with ID) are $14, Kids tickets (12-6) are $6, and Children’s tickets (5 and under) are FREE. The Pit Gate will open at 2:00pm and for event information, visit the track’s website at www.bakersfieldspeedway.com or call 661.393.3373.