From Dick Jordan
Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway hosts the next USAC West Coast Sprint race March 23. Austin Liggett will take a four-point lead over Markus Niemela into the race.
Liggett finished eighth in Friday night’s 30-lap race at Tulare (Calif.) Thunderbowl Raceway, a race won by Dennis Howell.
Howell, of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., earned his initial series victory at Tulare, beating Richard and Jace Vander Weerd to the checkered flag in one of the most exciting races in series history. Howell officially led all 30 laps although he withstood strong challenges in the closing laps from both Vander Weerds.
Howell, who became the second driver to score his initial series win this year, piloted the San Pedro Auto Body/Howell Meyer Racing Maxim/SRE to the win. Defending series champion Danny Faria Jr. finished fourth ahead of fifth-place finisher Bud Kaeding.
2014 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Standings: 1-Austin Liggett-110, 2-Markus Niemela-106, 3-Dennis Howell-97, 4-Troy Rutherford-91, 5-Richard Vander Weerd-90, 6-Jace Vander Weerd-88, 7-Matt Mitchell-82, 8-Danny Faria Jr.-78, 9-Landon Hurst-64, 10-J.J. Yeley-64.