Veteran driver Steve Wheeler was honored as the 1999 Florida Midget Racing Association champion at the Airport Hilton Saturday night.

Behind the wheel of various types of cars for more than 20 years, it marked the first title in a three-quarter midget for Wheeler in only his second season in the cycle-powered cars. He also took the owner's crown as well. From the tour's top rookie in 1998 to the champion only a season later, Wheeler was a quick study in the short wheelbase cars and claimed a pair of feature wins enroute to the title in his Jon Smith's Subs-backed No. 14 Franklin/Honda. He will not defend his title as he moves to a limited sprint car for this season.



High schooler Ben Fritz finished eighth in the final points and was crowned the series' top rookie while Jack Duffy received a special award for his dedication to the sport and to TQ midgets. The award will become an
annual affair to be known simply as "The Duffy." Thanks go to Mike Elder and others for creating the award in honor of a dedicated and respected racer.

An agressive schedule is planned for 2000 that will take the tour to a variety of tracks such as Hialeah, Charlotte County and DeSoto.

FLORIDA MIDGET RACING ASSOCIATION 1999 TOP 10 FINAL POINT STANDINGS:
1. Steve Wheeler 1315; 2. Gary Gimmler 1265; 3 (tie) Jack Duffy 1230; (tie)
Mark Gimmler 1230; 5. Wendy Mathis 1195; 6. Mike Elder, Jr. 1095; 7. Rod
Anderson 920; 8. Ben Fritz (R) 945; 9. Allen Craig 660; 10. Joey McKinney (R)
570. (R) = Rookie

-Marty Little

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