NEWSWIRE

Miscellany

Bart Bast will defend his speedway title tonight in the final event of the season, the U.S. National Championship, at the Orange County Fairgrounds. Bast is among 20 riders vying for the title, and is trying to join fellow competitors Mike Faria (1990-91, ‘97) and Bobby Schwartz (1986, ‘89) as a multiple winner of the event.

Bast won’t be the only man trying to break into that elite group; Brad Oxley (1987) and Chris Manchester (1992) also won titles.

Another decorated rider who could play a determining role in the outcome is John Cook, the 1980-81 Speedway Long Track champion and 1983 U.S. Open champion.

Racing begins at 7:30 p.m.