Hepler Takes State Open Lead After Record 64

Brian Hepler of Scottsdale, Ariz., tied the day-old course record of 64 Wednesday to take a one-shot lead halfway through the California State Open at Coyote Hills in Fullerton. Hepler had seven birdies and one bogey on the 6,510-yard course.

Jeff Kern of Tucson was second at seven-under 133 after a 68. First-round leaders Brian Guetz of Littleton, Colo., and Jeff Sanday of South Pasadena, who set the course record in the first round, slipped to 70 and 71, respectively.

The cut came at plus-five. The leading Orange County player is Darren Ernst of Huntington Beach, who is tied for 12th at two-under 138. He shot 66 in the second round.

AUTO RACING

* Alex Barron has been released as driver for the remainder of the CART Championship Series season by Dan Gurney’s Santa Ana-based All American Racers.

Gurney’s announcement coincided with Barron being named driver for Roger Penske’s team at the U.S. 500 July 25 at Michigan Speedway.

Barron was replaced the last three races by Brazilian Gualter Salles. Gurney said this week that he wanted to use Salles for at two more races, including Sunday in Toronto, but broadened that horizon on Wednesday.

“Our plans are to use Gualter Salles the rest of the season,” Gurney said.