Chappell takes lead in Auto Trader Southern Iowa Sprintweek points

  • August 13, 2003
  • by Thomas J. Schmeh

KNOXVILLE, Iowa -- Following the first four nights of the Auto Trader Southern Iowa SprintWeek, Oklahoman Zach Chappell has overtaken fellow Okie Shane Stewart in the "Mr. Sprint Car" point standings. Chappell, a former National 360 Sprint Car Poll "Driver of the Year", finished seventh in last night's SCRA/NWWC-sanctioned Ultimate Challenge at Oskaloosa. Previous finishes this week for the young gun have been 10th, 6th, and 13th, respectively. Night five will take place at the Knoxville Raceway tonight with the World of Outlaws-sanctioned Ford Dealers of Iowa Knoxville Nationals, presented by Visit Australia.

Unofficial Points after Night 4: Zach Chappell 168, Shane Stewart 147, Erin Crocker 121, Travis Rilat 113, Jerrod Hull 106, Jesse Giannetto 104, Terry McCarl 96, Wayne Johnson 94, Roger Crockett 93, Ed Ergenbright 87, Bobby Mincer 86, Ricky Logan 82, Kevin Welsh 82, Skip Jackson 78, Loren Langerud 78, Kevin Ramey 76, Chuck Swenson 76, Dave Hesmer 73, Billy Alley 72, Chris Coyle 70, Josh Higday 68.

Those associated with the Auto Trader Southern Iowa SprintWeek extend their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Keith Hutton, who tragically lost his life last night at Oskaloosa. Keith was a Queensland, Australia, native and speedcar (midget car) racer who relocated to Knoxville, Iowa, with his wife Jenny to follow their dreams in open-wheel racing. The always-smiling Hutton finished third in this year's Hoosier Tire Midwest Masters Classic 360-cubic-inch sprint car race at Knoxville, behind winner Jimmy Sills and runner-up Roger Rager. Rest In Peace, Keith.