Kenyon drivers ready to return to action
By Ken de la Bastide
After more than a month since the last Kenyon Midget Series event, the teams will be returning to action at the familiar Indianapolis Speedrome. The Speedrome has been on the Kenyon Midget Series schedule for many years and the format has been changed to a 50-lap feature event.
The scheduled race at Toledo Speedway fell victim to the weather and the last time the teams were in action was at Anderson Speedway on June 20.
The Indianapolis Speedrome presents unique challenges to the drivers because of the lack of banking in the corners and the need to be hooked up to run the low groove, but with the ability to pass on the outside to advance through the field.
Four-time series champion Dameron Taylor has scored six feature wins at the oval in recent years and will be joined this weekend by former Speedrome winners Aryton Houk and Isaac Johnson.
Johnson scored his first feature win in a Kenyon Midget at the Speedrome last year and followed that up with a win at Paragon Speedway. “I always look forward to the Speedrome,” Johnson said. “We always get a lot of our partners, friends and family there and always seem to have a good car there. It's where I got my first Kenyon win so it will always be a bit of a special place in that sense as well. The 50 laps don't change much for us,” he said. “As long as we continue to improve the car from the last couple of trips there, I'm sure we will be in a great spot toward the end.”
Evan Hammond said he is excited about the return to the Speedrome and the longer feature event. “I think we'll be in contention for the win,” he said. “The more laps we get, the better. At a track like the Speedrome where it's physical and hard to pass, those longer races definitely help.”
Hammond said his strategy doesn't really change with the longer race distance. “I'm more of a longer distance racer, those short races is a part of my craft I could improve,” he said. “But long green flag laps is usually where I come alive.”
Kyle Sheard said the long race gives more time to set up for a pass and changes the strategy slightly. “It does to a degree give you more laps to try and set up for a pass, rather than before,” he said. “But you have to stay more consistent for a longer period of time.”
The track record of 12.225-seconds was set by Houk in 2021.
There are 14 teams entered for the weekend including rookie of the year contenders Hunter Peri, Danny O'Gara and Seth Tozer. Aiden Slightom will be making his first start.
Taylor is coming off a win at Anderson Speedway with Houk and O'Gara rounding out the top three.
Entries for the weekend include Eli Fox, Evan Patton, Ryan Shilkuski and Brian Richardson.
Houk looking for his second Kenyon Midget championship is leading the point standings with a comfortable 125 margin over Isaac Johnson, with Evan Hammond sitting in third followed by Kyle Sheard and Taylor.
Peri leads Brayden Rutter in the Redline Ace Rookie of the Year standings, but Rutter is not expected to compete at the Speedrome.
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The Kenyon Midget Series will race at the Indianapolis Speedway on Saturday July 25. Pits open at 3:00. Spectator gates open at 4:30. Racing begins at 7:00