By Dick Jordan
Shannon McQueen’s lead in the USAC Mopar Western Midget Series standings is 55 points over Nick Chivello going into an August 4 race at Santa Maria (Calif.) Speedway. She finished 16th in Saturday night’s 100-lap “Gerhardt Classic” at Madera (Calif.) Speedway.
Michael Snider of Lakewood, Calif. grabbed the win in the USAC/BCRA co-sanctioned 100-lapper, leading the final seven laps after passing Chivello on lap 94. Snider was one of four race leaders.
Davey Hamilton led the first 15 laps, fast qualifier and new track record holder Chad Nichols led the next 10, Snider then led three and Chivello led for 65 before yielding to the winner.
2012 USAC MOPAR WESTERN MIDGET POINT STANDINGS
1-Shannon McQueen-398, 2-Nick Chivello-343, 3-Scott Pierovich-322, 4-Jake Swanson-306, 5-David Prickett-301, 6-Cole Carter-300, 7-Frankie Guerrini-205, 8-Connor Kassik-188, 9-Alex Schutte-187, 10-Chad Nichols-183.