By Dick Jordan
The 59th running of one of America’s most revered short-track races unfolds this Saturday night at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind. It’s the “Hut Hundred,” with a three-abreast 33-car starting field planned to compete in a 100-lap race on the quarter-mile banked oval.
Bryan Clauson is the defending race winner and he enters Saturday’s race in a tie with Bobby East for the Mopar National Midget Series point lead.
Last year marked the first time the “Hut Hundred” had been held at Tri-State. The Terre Haute Action Track, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Lincoln Park in Putnamville and the Lawrenceburg Speedway have all played host to the race’
East is no stranger to victory lane either, having won the “Hut Hundred” at Terre Haute in 2004. Other race winners expected to compete Saturday are Darren Hagen (2006), Dave Darland (1999 and 2003) and Tracy Hines (2001).
The “Hut Hundred” debuted in 1954 and winners include A.J. Foyt, Mel Kenyon, Pancho Carter, Gary & Tony Bettenhausen, Johnny Parsons, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Jason Leffler and Rich Vogler, who claimed eight “Hut Hundred” wins between 1978 and 1989, including four in a row (1983-86).
Inclement weather forced postponement of races Saturday and Sunday at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wisc. Track and USAC officials are discussing possible re-scheduling opportunities.
MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET POINT STANDINGS
1-Bryan Clauson-140; 2-Bobby East-140; 3-Darren Hagen-110; 4-Jerry Coons Jr.-95; 5-Kody Swanson-93; 6-Brad Kuhn-93; 7-Levi Roberts-81; 8-Tanner Swanson-74; 9-Zach Daum-74; 10-Kyle Larson-63.