Dave Murdick is only two more Friday features from capturing the biggest title in his career.

Murdick, 41, who is wrapping up his 25th year of racing, has a 22-point lead over Jim Weller Jr. in the big-block modified division at Lernerville Speedway, where points-racing will end Aug. 27.

Murdick won the track championship in the same division at Sportsman's Speedway in 1990 and the BRP Tour title in 2001. But, he admits, winning the Lernerville crown would be special.

He would join the ranks of legends Lou Blaney and Blackie Watt, not to mention his father, Carl, who has raced at Lernerville since it opened its gates in the fall of 1967 and won the track's modified title in '70.

"It's one of the goals we set at the beginning of the year," said Murdick, of Slippery Rock, who lost the 2001 title to Brian Swartzlander on the final night of the season. "You can't help but think about it at this time of the year. Lernerville's the premier track in the area. It would definitely be an honor to win that [championship]."

Even though he has only one feature victory this season on the Sarver oval, Murdick has been remarkably consistent with 10 top-three finishes. With only a 22-point advantage, though, don't expect him to relax until he clinches the title.

"A flat tire can put you right out of it, something pretty simple," he said. "I would say if you went into the last night with a 20-point lead, you're going to have to probably be a little more cautious. You can't make a stupid mistake. They can get 40 points a night. It might be a comfortable lead, but it's not unattainable for them."

While he's focused on winning the Lernerville crown, Murdick's sponsors dictate that he also competes at Mercer Raceway Park, where last Saturday he earned his first victory since 1995.

"It was pretty big," he said. "A couple of years ago we started running there but I haven't been able to win. We just hadn't been able to get over that hurdle and it all came together for us last week."

While Murdick is trying to win his first Lernerville title, the top drivers in the other three divisions are aiming to become repeat champions.

In sprints, Ed Lynch Jr., winner of the 1990 and 2003 crowns, has a 48-point lead over Rod George.

In late models, John Flinner has a 33-point lead over Gary Lyle in his quest to win his fourth consecutive championship.

Joe Kelley is trying to become a six-time champion in the pure stock class, where he has a 15-point advantage over Rob Shook.

Atallah parks late model

Driver Al Atallah and owner Phil Lukon have decided to temporarily suspend operations of the No. 84 dirt late model that has won the past three championships in the top-tier class at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway. Atallah is the defending two-time champion at PPMS while Keith Barbara drove the car to the 2001 title.

"To be honest with you, we just busted up too many cars this year," Atallah said. "Me and Phil sat down and had a long talk. He wanted to continue and I wanted to [continue] because of sponsor commitments and everything like that, but we've hurt so many cars. It's just where do we draw the line?"

Atallah has been a victim of several on-track incidents this season that have damaged his chances to repeat as champion. "I don't consider myself the best race car driver in the world, but I had apologies come from everybody involved," he said.

Atallah said it's Lukon's decision, but he hopes the team will race in the World of Outlaws Late Model Series-sanctioned Pittsburgher events Sept. 24 and 25 at PPMS.

Lugnuts

Motodrome Speedway will feature six divisions of racing tomorrow night. Last week in the top-tier NASCAR-sanctioned late model division, Neil Brown pulled into a tie with Rick Miller atop the standings. Garry Wiltrout is only 24 points behind.

Dave Wade aims to extend his late model points-lead Saturday at PPMS, which features a regular night of racing.

Still trying to recover from a late start and troublesome weather, Jennerstown Speedway is running twin-50 lap features Saturday for its NASCAR-sanctioned super late model division in addition to four other classes.

The Mid-American Sprint Series will compete Saturday at Mercer Raceway Park in the Chuck Marsh Memorial.