The battle for the title is heating up, with only three points separating the top two racers. Cannon McIntosh pulls into Merced at the head of the standings after registering ten podiums across the campaign. He’s undoubtedly the most consistent driver on the grid this year, averaging 5.63 in all starts and an 80% podium rate in his previous 10 outings. It hasn’t been smooth sailing in the last three races, where he’s dropped outside of the top five twice. Instead, Daison Pursley has taken center stage, lining up with back-to-back trips inside of Victory Lane.

USAC sprint car record holder Justin Grant continues to apply pressure on the leader, but he hasn’t looked like a winner in this class of late. He’s driven himself onto the podium six times this year, three of them inside Victory Lane. The last time he clinched silverware in a midget was in July in Indiana. We were impressed with Steven Snyder Jr. in the last race, who pushed his way into second place, despite carrying long odds. It was only his second podium of the year, so it remains to be seen if he can replicate the feat. Finally, Gavin Miller, another longshot, is worth a look at that price, considering that he’s snatched top honors in 50% of his previous six races.