Series points update 2010-09-19

Oh So Close: Just Three Points Separate Jason Meyers & Joey Saldana at the Top of the Standings with Steve Kinser Only 48 Back

Concord, NC-September 19, 2010- Every time it seems like the World of Outlaws championship standings can't get any closer, they do. Just three points separate current leader Jason Meyers and Joey Saldana as the battle for the top spot rages on, with 20-time series champion Steve Kinser third, just 48 markers out, with eight nights of racing remaining on the season which is the closest three-way battle in series history. Meyers and Saldana have traded the point lead three times in the last five races with neither driver having more than a five-point lead during that span.

Meyers used a ninth-place finish on Friday night at Clay County Fair Speedway in Iowa coupled with turning the third fastest lap in time trials to retake the lead from Saldana. The native of Clovis, California wrapped up the weekend with a runner-up finish at Deer Creek Speedway in Minnesota, after starting the night by turning the second fastest lap in time trials to earn four bonus points in the standings. He also it tied for the series lead with 10 fast time honors and has earned the most qualifying bonus points of any driver this season for being among the Top-Five in time trials. The veteran has 49 Top-10 finishes on the year with 36 of those being Top-Fives.

"You just race and try to go to the front," shared Meyers when asked about points on Saturday night. "Just look at these guys we are racing. Steve (Kinser) came from way in the back and Joey (Saldana) was tough all night. You just have to race hard and go to the front. The points will work out how they work out. Right now we're just trying to win races."

Saldana's win at Deer Creek Speedway on Saturday night was his series leading 13th of the season. The second generation driver also leads the series in laps led and is the only driver that has paced the field for more than 300 circuits this year. He has racked up 47Top-10 finishes with 36 of those being Top-Five performances. He turned the fourth quickest lap in time trials on Saturday night to earn two bonus points in the standings. Saldana has led the series standings more than any other driver this season and has been among the Top-Three in points the entire season.

"We just have to keep working hard and doing what we've been doing," Saldana said after his win at Deer Creek. "It's probably going to go down to the last race of the year with how close everyone is and you can't make any mistakes or have any bad luck."

Steve Kinser used two podium finishes over the weekend to remain third in points, just 48 markers out of the top spot as he chases his record 21 st title. The native of Bloomington, Indiana leads the series with 53 Top-10 finishes and also is on top of the leader board with 37 Top-Five performances.

Donny Schatz gained some ground following a third-place finish on Friday night at Clay County Fair Speedway. The four-time and defending series champion followed that up with a fourth-place run at Deer Creek to earn his 33rd Top-Five of the season. He is currently 115 markers out of the lead as the closest four-way battle in series history continues.

Jason Sides remains fifth in points, with Paul McMahan sixth, Craig Dollansky seventh, Lucas Wolfe eighth, Danny Lasoski ninth and Kraig Kinser 10 th.

The World of Outlaws return to action on Friday, September 24 at the famed Eldora Speedway, followed by the Commonwealth Clash at the historic Lernerville Speedway on Saturday, September 25.

-source: WoO