FREEDOM, N.H. -- When the Sprint Cars of New England head though the gates at the Canaan Dirt Speedway this Friday night, they’ll only have three points events left for the 2012 Championship and a dozen drivers have a statistical possibility of wearing the crown.

With nine events already tallied, 2010 champ Chris Donnelly leads with 473 points, defending champ Dan Douville is second with 451 and Clay Dow is third with 397. Tyler Rich, the 2011 Rookie of the Year is fourth with 356 and 2007 champ Shawn Lawler is fifth with 343. Will Hull (333), Jim Lowrey, Jr. (331), Matt Robie (323), rookie Chris Downs (305), Shawn Berry (284), Kevin Chaffee (283) and Jake Williams (282) are also within range.

Perennial rivals Donnelly and Douville have both been remarkably consistent this season. Each has only one finish outside the top five, despite starting near the rear of the field every week, courtesy of SCoNE’s fan friendly handicapping system.

Following the Canaan event, The Fastest Dirt Track Cars in New England ™ have a pair of points races at Bear Ridge Speedway on August 18 and September 22.

SCoNE’s Triple Crown Weekend (Friday August 31 at Canaan, Saturday September 1 at Bear Ridge and Sunday September 2 at Legion) has its own points system and those races don’t count for the season championship.

Don’t miss the methanol snorting, 360 cubic inch Winged Warriors of the Sprint Cars of New England as their season roars toward a mudslinging photo finish.