Burns geared up for a triple

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Last summer, Burns became the first driver in the speedway's 53-year history to win two division championships in one season — twice. He won the champ sprint and super sprint titles in 2006 and 2007.

In 2006, he became the first to win two divisions in one season.

Tonight at 7, Burns begins his quest for three in a row in the season opener.

"I'm going to give it a good shot,” said Burns about a potential three-peat, three-peat. "The other drivers, though, are probably tired of me winning. They will be gunning for me this year.”

Those other drivers are up to the challenge.

"He isn't the only fast one out there,” said Danny Jennings, who races in the super sprint division. "We don't look at him any differently that anyone else.”

Burns won only one race in the super sprint division last season, but he earned four victories in the champ sprints. He said the key to his success was avoiding trouble.

"I didn't have many wrecks,” Burns said. "I didn't have any that put me out of races. That's key. If you can avoid the trouble, then you'll have many more consistent finishes.”

Jennings said Burns' records are the result of a string of good luck.

"He is a pretty decent driver, but he has a lot of luck on his side for the most part,” said Jennings, a multi-time speedway points champion. "If he keeps having good luck, then he'll keep doing what he does.”

Burns, who is from Bethany, said both cars are in pristine condition thanks to modifications and fine-tuning during the offseason.

"We tore the cars apart and re-did almost everything,” he said. "We replaced parts, made sure everything was clean and sent the motor off to get it tuned and cleaned.”

If Burns does a three-peat, it will likely be in the super sprint division. He will race part-time in the champ sprint division because of a smaller budget implemented by car owner Glen Tidwell.

"I still want to go out and finish in the top five every night,” Burns said.

Said Jennings: "Chris is great competition, but this year is a completely new year, and we will see how it pans out.”