Dave Darland Claims Midget Victory at Kokomo Speedway's Jack Hewitt Classic

Laguna Beach, California--Dave Darland claimed another victory at his home track, Kokomo Speedway, in Kokomo, Indiana, on Sunday, May 4, at the Jack Hewitt Sprint and Midget Classic. Driving the #9d Team ASE/Oakley/Ed Pink Toyota for Nine Racing, Dave won the 30-lap midget main event by half a straightaway, and earned Nine Racing's second victory of the 2008 race season. Teammate Kody Swanson finished the race in 10th place, thereby giving the Team ASE/Oakley/Ed Pink Toyotas two top-10 finishes for the night.

The midget drivers didn't qualify for the A main, instead drawing for starting position in the heat races. Dave drew the pole position for the second heat race, which he won. Dave started the main midget event on the outside of the front row. Brad Loyet started on the pole, and led the race. However, tire management was the key to this event, and Dave took care of the tires enough to take over the lead and eventually earn the win.

"The car has to be good for the track conditions," explained Dave. "The race team did a good job. They gave me a good race car all night and I just had to drive it right, save the tires, and not get into trouble. Everybody had their jobs to do and everybody did them, so we had reason to celebrate." He went on to thank the entire Nine Racing team for their hard work and support, along with TRD and Ed Pink for the winning race engine.

The team's next race will be a USAC National Midget Series event at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem, Wisconsin, on May 16.