A weekend of racing in Illinois for Cole Whitt and his no. 71 Keith Kunz Motorsports team left Cole drawing closer to the top spot in the USAC Midget National point standings.  The three night Gold Crown Midget National series included a format that meant that the first two nights of racing were non-USAC point events.  However, on the night that counted toward the USAC National point championship, Whitt made the most of the race car on the evening in securing third place. 

The Gold Crown Midget Nationals had a different format for the 3 day event.  The first two nights would be non-point races for USAC.  However, a passing point system and finish in the preliminary features would determine where competitors would start in Saturday’s Finale.   With over 60 midgets entered, the competition would be stout and strong finishes were in order to secure a top spot for the 50 lap finale.

After being the high point leader in Thursday’s race format Cole finished 5th in the feature.  Friday’s repeat event placed Cole 15th at the start of feature as he managed on a dry slick track to move up a couple of positions and finish 13th. After the two night point tally, Cole accomplished his goal and secured himself in the top eight placing himself in the Dash.  The top eight drew for their starting position and raced an eight lap dash for their starting spot in the feature.  Cole drew 6 for the dash and finished 2nd, where he would start the 50 lap feature.  All other competitors would race qualifying races to try to race their way in.  One big difference in the feature format that caught many top midget drivers out was the 50 lap format.  Cole used a measured approach on the dry slick track and posted a third at the finish.  For Cole and team this was a great result in the big picture as point leader Tracy Hines had a tough night and finished outside of the top ten.  Therefore, Cole’s third meant that he pared the gap in the USAC National Points chase to 39 points behind leader Hines.

 

The midget series takes a break until November and will resume at the Copper World Classic at Phoenix International Raceway and conclude at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California at the Turkey Night Grand Prix.  However, Cole still has a number of events in the Sprint Car that will see him working toward closing his gap in yet another point chase.  Cole lies third in a tight point race in the USAC National Sprint Car Series.  Look for updates from all of the racing Cole will race.