By Bryan Gapinski
Perris, CA, Nov. 23—Rico Abreu holds an eight-point lead over teammate Tanner Thorson in the National Midget Driver of the Year Championship, heading into Thursday’s 75th annual Turkey night Grand Prix at Perris Auto Speedway.
Darren Hagen trails Abreu by 55-points in third place. Spencer Bayston and three-time defending NMODTY Champion Bryan Clauson, also remain in mathematical contention in fourth and fifth place.
A total of 160 points is available on Thursday. The event is the 155th midget event of the season. Abreu’s eight point lead is the second smallest heading into a season final event in the sixteen-year history of the NMDOTY. In car owner points Kunz-Curb-Agajanian#67 has clinched the Car Owners Championship.
Frankie Guerinni clinched the Western Midget Driver of the Year Championship presented by West Evans Motorsports & Western Speed Performance on Friday at Madera Speedway despite an 11th place feature finish.
The top ten NMDOTY drivers, car owner champion along with Manufacturers Champions, Rookie of the Year and Western Champion 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. 16, 2016.
Current NMDOTY points: 1. Rico Abreu 1090; 2. Tanner Thorson 1082; 3. Darren Hagen 1035; 4. Spencer Bayston 950; 5. Bryan Clauson 935; 6. Christopher Bell 921; 7. Andrew Felker 780; 8. Tyler Thomas 735; 9, Kevin Thomas Jr, 728; 10. Zach Daum 680.
Current Western Midget DOTY: 1. Frankie Guerinni 390; 2. Ronnie Gardner 304; 3. Michael Faccinto 268; 4. Keith Rauch 264; 5. Brian Gard 234.