Burns in position to win titles in 2 divisions at speedway

It is one thing for a driver to win back-to-back championships at State Fair Speedway, but to make history two years in a row — well, that is one for the history books.

Last season, sprint car driver Chris Burns became the first at the speedway to win two different championships in one season, the super and champ sprint divisions. This year, he is poised to defend both titles, a feat that would distinguish the Bethany driver for years to come.

"I always hear about stories about different old timers and how fast they were,” Burns said. "It would be nice for guys to be talking about me like that someday.”

That is some heavy thinking for a driver who repeatedly says he takes things just one race at a time, never thinking too far ahead and never trying to do more than win the race at hand. But Burns is currently leading both divisions with Michelle Decker trailing in the championship sprints and veteran Danny Jennings in second place in the super sprint class.

"Yeah, I have been giving it some thought,” said Burns, who leads both divisions by 150 points. "But if it happens, it happens. If not, I gave it my best shot.”

Burns will have to be at his best. Burns barely edged Decker in last year's championship sprint class. The points race came down to the final night.

In the super sprint class, Jennings, who has won several point titles at State Fair, leads a host of talented drivers chasing Burns.

"Danny is always going to be fast,” Burns said. "He has been racing out there a long time and has won several championships. I like the challenge of being around the top drivers.”

Tonight at 7:30, Burns and Jennings will do battle, while the championship sprint class has the night off.

Because of numerous rainouts this season, the schedule has fallen where Burns has rarely had to race both cars on the same night.

"That has really helped me focus on each class,” Burns said. "Plus, I am still not in complete shape yet. Racing both cars is tiring.”