HUTCHINSON, Kan. — C.J. Leary muscled his way to the top of the charts in the third and final session to become the fastest driver of Friday night’s USAC Silver Crown National Championship practice at Salt City Speedway.
The practice night was the final tune-up prior to Saturday night’s USAC Silver Crown Murphy Tractor & Equipment Salt City 100 on July 20, marking the series’ debut at the half-mile dirt oval.
Leary powered to a time of 22.039 seconds, the best in the field of 19 drivers and teams who took time. Twenty-three entries are expected to compete on Saturday night.
Leading USAC Silver Crown Rookie Trey Osborne was impressive, topping the first of the three practice sessions and was second overall with a 22.347 second lap. Kevin Thomas Jr. was the best in the second session and third overall at a 22.514. Justin Grant was fourth fastest overall while Kaylee Bryson rounded out the top-five at 22.658. Bryson won the most recent USAC Silver Crown event in Kansas this past May at the Belleville High Banks.
Only one minor incident occurred during the practice session when USAC Silver Crown newcomer Danny Jennings spun backwards in turn three. However, no contact was made, and the six-time Hutchinson Grand Nationals sprint car winner was able to continue on.
Results
1. C.J. Leary, 6, Klatt-22.039; 2. Trey Osborne, 81, BCR-22.347; 3. Kevin Thomas Jr., 9, Dyson-22.514; 4. Justin Grant, 91, Hemelgarn-22.579; 5. Kaylee Bryson, 26, Pierce-22.658; 6. Mario Clouser, 21, Team AZ-22.663; 7. Kody Swanson, 77, Doran/Binks-22.705; 8. Chase Stockon, 69, Pink 69-22.768; 9. Chris Fetter, 15, Fetter-22.950; 10. Kyle Steffens, 08, Steffens-23.000; 11. Logan Seavey, 22, Rice/Abacus-23.259; 12. Trey Burke, 60, Legacy/Wilson-23.490; 13. Kip Hughes, 160, Hughes-23.611; 14. Steve Gennetten, 03, Gennetten-23.839; 15.Nathan Moore, 48, Thomas/Moore-24.081; 16. Danny Jennings, 61, Grace-24.175; 17. Gregg Cory, 32, Williams/Cory-24.359; 18. Danny Long, 44, Long-25.297; 19. Dave Berkheimer, 31, Berkheimer-25.389.