By Dick Jordan
Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. opens defense of his USAC Mopar National Midget Championship this weekend as the series makes its debut at the 3/8-mile dirt Dodge City (Kans.) Raceway Park.
Clauson won six races on his way to the 2010 title and although none came in Kansas, he’s no stranger to Kansas victory lanes. In 2009 he won the prestigious Belleville Midget Nationals.
Last year, a pair of USAC/SMRS Midget races were held at Dodge City, both won by Brad Loyet of Sunset Hills, Mo.
A total 90 USAC races have been held in the Sunflower State and Dave Darland and Jerry Coons Jr. own the most victories, with six apiece.
Although this will mark the first National Midget races at the Dodge City facility, four USAC Sprint races were conducted there in 2000 and 2001, with drivers Tony Hunt and Troy Cline winning two apiece when the track was pavement.
Both Dodge City events will also award points toward the 2011 USAC National Drivers Championship.