TULSA, OK (January 10, 2008) -- Indiana's Brad Kuhn led flag-to-flag in
Thursday's Chili Bowl Midget Nationals qualifier. Kuhn was followed to the line
by fellow Indiana natives Jon Stanbrough and Shane Cottle. With last year's
Chili Bowl champion Tony Stewart finishing fifth, the Hoosier state was well
represented.
Among the 286 teams on hand, drivers from 29 different states made the trip
to Oklahoma for the 22nd installment of the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals,
including drivers from Canada and Australia. But on Thursday, it was a bevy of
Indiana natives rising to the top.
The Hoosier tire brand was also at the top of its game. Thursday had 72
drivers competing with 68 of them opting to use the Hoosier brand.
In the feature race, 23 of the 24 starters were on Hoosiers and when the
25-lap feature race was over, the Hoosier brand was used by the first 22
drivers to cross the finish line.
Thursday's action featured nine heat races, four last chance races, four
qualifying races and two B Mains to narrow the 72-car field down to 24 for the
night's feature race. Like the previous night, the top four finishers on
Thursday would secure positions in Saturday's big 50-lap finale.
After capturing the win in the 9th heat race, Brad Kuhn finished second in
the first qualifier behind Jon Stanbrough. Kuhn's efforts earned him the pole
for the night's feature race.
Kuhn, who led start to finish in the 25-lap A Main, was followed to the line
by fellow Avon, Indiana driver Jon Stanbrough. Shane Cottle, from Kokomo, IN, finished
in third place followed by Cole Whitt. Whitt hails from Alpine, CA. Tony
Stewart, from Columbus, IN, finished in fifth place.
For the second straight night, the top five finishers all opted to run a
Hoosier RD12 compound on their right rear tire position.
Hoosier's Neil Cowman and Irish Saunders are attending the five-night event
and provided the details used in this report.
The final night of qualifying for Saturday's race will take place
tonight.
For the first time ever, Saturday's Chili Bowl Midget Nationals final is
available on HBO's Pay-Per-View.
For more information about the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals visit their
website at www.chilibowl.com.
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