Simpson atop Corn Belt Clash standings

After two events of the Corn Belt Clash late model series, Mount Vernon's Chad Simpson owned the overall points lead. Simpson, in his seventh season driving a DIRT late model, was 2-for-2 in series wins before the next series contest scheduled for Tuesday night at the Cedar County Raceway in Tipton.

Simpson, a two-time defending World Dirt Racing League national points champ, captured victories at Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wis., on May 14, and Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn., April 17.

At Deer Creek, the 31-year-old Simpson won the pole and pulled away from the field for a dominating win. he started in the second row at Mississippi Thunder Speedway, but took a lead early, persevering through late cautions to hold on for the win.

Simpson, who has been racing since 1993, also has four top 10 Midwest Late Model Racing Association finishes, including a runner-up performance Saturday at Thunderhill Speedway in Mayetta, Kan., and a third-place showing Friday at Missouri State Fair Speedway in Sedalia, Mo.