Darland signs one-race deal

FORMER SILVER CROWN SERIES CHAMP DARLAND TO DRIVE RW MOTORSPORTS CAR AT PHOENIX

INDIANAPOLIS -- Former USAC Silver Crown Series champion Dave Darland of Lincoln, Ind. will compete for RW Motorsports in the team's new generation Silver Crown car in the "Copper World Classic" at Phoenix International Raceway.

Darland, the 1997 series champion, struck an agreement with car owner Steve Weirich for a one-race deal. He is replacing regular pilot Rich Tobias Jr., who will be with his Slingshot cars in Atlantic City, N.J. Tobias is scheduled to be back in the car for the next race at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida.

Now sixth on the all-time win list with 11 victories, Darland is one of several drivers who have tested the Silver Crown car, having run laps at the one-mile PIR in early February. He made his first Silver Crown start in 1990 and finished sixth in the points standings with one victory.

"Dave Darland's a champion, and his ability to get the most out of the car speaks for itself," said Weirich, who recently took possession of his team's Stealth. "The RW Motorsports crew is looking forward to having him in the car at Phoenix."

Darland will be aiming to break two-time defending series champion Dave Steele's streak of four victories during the annual classic, which is to take place Jan. 21-22. A 50-lap race is on tap. The National and Western Midget Car Series also kick off their seasons during the weekend.

-usac-