WESTERN MIDGETS “OFF” UNTIL CALISTOGA

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From Dick Jordan

The Honda USAC Western Midget Dirt point race resumes August 31 at Calistoga (Calif.) Speedway and Ronnie Gardner of Norco, Calif. continues to lead the standings after a second-place finish last Saturday night at Ventura (Calif.,) Raceway.

Gardner nearly won Saturday’s 30-lap race, leading the first eight laps, then regaining the lead from  Cory Kruseman on the white-flag lap. One lap later, Kruseman snatched the victory away exiting turn four in his Lucas Oil Spike/Esslinger.

Gardner’s finish enabled him to hold a 68-point lead over runner-up Jake Swanson, who was fourth at Ventura.

Nic Faas took third in Saturday’s race and Bobby Michnowicz rounded out the “top-five” at the checkered flag.

HONDA USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINTS: 1-Ronnie Gardner-691, 2-Jake Swanson-623, 3-David Prickett-504, 4-Shannon McQueen-342, 5-Randi Pankratz-291, 6-Cody Swanson-288, 7-Kyle Edwards-244, 8-Terry Nichols-232, 9-Scott Pierovich-217, 10-Trey Marcham-200.