By Bryan Gapinski
Peoria, Ariz., Nov. 7—Jerry Coons Jr. leads a tight race for the National Midget Driver of the Year Championship, heading into two races in his native state of Arizona this weekend “The Western Classic” USAC Mopar National Midget events at Canyon Speedway Park on Nov. 9-10.
Coons 2007 NMDOTY Champion holds a 44-point lead over two NMDOTY Champion Brad Kuhn, with Darren Hagen in third place, seventy points behind. Three-time defending NMODTY Champion Bryan Clauson, and Rico Abreau complete the top five and remain in mathematical contention.
A total of 270 points are available in the final three events, with the season ending 72nd annual Turkey Night Grand Prix at Perris (Calif.) Speedway crowning the 2012 Champion on Nov. 22. Coons who has scored points for five different car owners this season will drive the Joe Dooling owned Dooling Machine Products Spike/Ford-Esslinger#63 in the final three events.
In car owner points Kunz-Curb-Agajanian#67 holds a 178-point cushion over Hans Lein. Abreu has locked up the Design 500 Racewear Rookie of the Year. Spike (Chassis), and Ford-Esslinger (engine) have again clinched the Manufacturers Championship.
POINTS
Driver: 1. Jerry Coons Jr. 1048; 2. Brad Kuhn 1004; 3. Darren Hagen 978; 4. Bryan Clauson 877; 5. Rico Abreu 868; 6. Kyle Larson 788; 7. Caleb Armstrong 782; 8. Danny Stratton 762; 9. Andrew Felker 756; 10. Tracy Hines 744.
Car Owner: 1. Kunz/Curb/Agajanian#67 1065; 2. Hans Lein#2 887; 3. RFMS#3, 872; 4. Keith Kunz#71 848; 5. Wilke-PAK#11 808; 6. RW Motorsports#17 807; 7. Tucker/BCI/Curb/Agajanian#39 792; 8. Joe Dooling#63 678; 9. C&A#7c 678; 10. Danny Felker#11 652.
Rookie of the Year: 1. Rico Abreu 868 ; 2.Garrett Aitken 327; 3. Colton Cottle 281; 4. Riley Emmel 157 5.4. Ryan Bernal 156.
Engine: 1. Ford-Esslinger 361; 2. Fontana 235; 3. Toyota 207; 4. Gaerte76; 5. Mopar 47.
Chassis: 1. Spike 483; 2.Beast 188; 3. Stealth 117; 4. Bullet 99; 5. Drinan 67.