WS: Irwindale Western Sprint opener

Defending USAC Western Sprint Car Champion Todd Ellison of West Jordan, Utah is expected to be among a star-studded field of drivers participating in next Saturday night's 2001 series opener at the Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway. A 40-lap feature event is planned on the 1/2-mile paved oval as part of the track's "K & N Filters Classic," also featuring the USAC Coors Light Silver Bullet Series. Prelims begin with Sprint Car practice at 3 pm, followed by Silver Bullet practice, qualifying and the racing events. Ellison scored his only 2000 feature victory at Tucson, Ariz. but had a second and fifth in his two Irwindale starts. He'll have some stiff competition to contend with in Saturday's series opener, including Indy Racing League veteran Davey Hamilton, who won one of the two Irwindale races in 2000. Hamilton scored six total wins last year but other commitments relegated him to a sixth-place point finish in the series. Bud Kaeding, who won six of seven races at Irwindale in 1999, is also expected to compete Saturday, along with 2000 series runner-up Tony Hunt and series regulars Mike Boat, Rick Williams and Kevin Kierce.

--USAC--