SCHUTTE OPENS WESTERN MIDGET TITLE DEFENSE AT CHICO

From Dick Jordan

Alex Schutte of Redding, Calif., whose 2010 USAC Mopar Western Midget Championship came without the benefit of a feature victory, hopes to change that Friday when the series makes its 2011 debut in the “John Padjen Classic” at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif.

The Chico program also includes the inaugural race in the brand-new USAC Western Classic Racing Series, featuring Sprint cars on the quarter-mile dirt oval.

Schutte trailed Cory Kruseman most of last year before taking the point lead at the next-to-last race and holding on for the title. He has two career USAC Western Midget wins to his credit.

Friday’s race marks the first-time USAC’s Midgets have competed at Silver Dollar Speedway.