By Bryan Gapinski
Peoria, Ariz., Nov. 12—Jerry Coons Jr. increased his lead in the National Midget Driver of the Year Championship, despite finishing tenth in “The Western Classic” USAC Mopar National Midget event at Canyon Speedway Park on Saturday Night. Friday’s scheduled event was rained out.
Coons 2007 NMDOTY Champion now holds a 45-point lead over Darren Hagen. Two-time NMDOTY Champion Brad Kuhn trails by 58-points in third place. Three-time defending NMODTY Champion Bryan Clauson, remains in mathematical contention in fourth place.
A total of 160 points are available in the season ending 72nd annual Turkey Night Grand Prix at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway on Thursday Nov. 22. In car owner points Kunz-Curb-Agajanian#67 has clinched the Car Owners Championship.
The top ten drivers and top three car owners along with Manufacturers Champions and Rookie of the Year will receive their point fund checks and trophies in the annual ceremony held during the final night of the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals on Jan. 12, 2013.
POINTS
Driver: 1. Jerry Coons Jr. 1062; 2. Darren Hagen 1017; 3. Brad Kuhn 1004; 4. Bryan Clauson 902; 5. Rico Abreu 891; 6. Kyle Larson 838; 7. Caleb Armstrong 790; 8. Tracy Hines 772; 9. Danny Stratton 762; 10. Andrew Felker 756.
Car Owner: 1. Kunz/Curb/Agajanian#67 1080; 2. RFMS#3, 913; 3. Keith Kunz#71 898; 4. Hans Lein#2 887; 5. Wilke-PAK#11 808; 6. RW Motorsports#17 807; 7. Tucker/BCI/Curb/Agajanian#39 792; 8. Joe Dooling#63 765; 9. C&A#7c 678; 10. Bob Parker#24 669.
Rookie of the Year: 1. Rico Abreu 891 ; 2.Garrett Aitken 327; 3. Colton Cottle 281; 4. Ryan Bernal 178; 5. Riley Emmel 157.
Engine: 1. Ford-Esslinger 364; 2. Fontana 235; 3. Toyota 213; 4. Gaerte76; 5. Mopar 47.
Chassis: 1. Spike 483; 2.Beast 188; 3. Stealth 117; 4. Bullet 105; 5. Drinan 67.