New venue will create unique challenges

(Aaron Skillman photo)

By Ken de la Bastide

When the Kenyon Midget Series makes a first appearance at Lincoln Park Speedway, all of the competitors will be experiencing the track for the first time. The historic quarter-mile oval is hosting the series for the first time with a second visit planned for Aug. 22.

A field of 15 competitors is expected for the race that will include a 20-lap feature and 8-lap heat races.

There will be a change at the top of the point standings as current point leader Kyle Hamilton is not scheduled to compete on the dirt oval.

Ayrton Houk, recovering from surgery last week, is currently just five points behind Hamilton. “I'm going to see how I feel,” Houk said. “I may just take the green flag and take last place points.”

He said the three-car team which includes Evan Patton and Redline Ace Rookie point leader Hunter Peri believe the Lincoln Park oval will require a set-up similar to Circle City.

Houk said Lincoln Park is similar to Anderson Speedway with the banking in the corners and the long straights.

Former champion Ryan Huggler is returning to the series for the Lincoln Park race.

Isaac Johnson, third in the point standings, said he hasn't raced at Lincoln Park. “Anytime I get to go back to my dirt racing roots, I get excited,” Johnson said. He did emerge as the race winner at Paragon Speedway last year.

Kyle Sheard racing for the Jeff Hill Trailer Sales team with rookie Seth Tozer, said he has watched video of racing at Lincoln Park. Sheard comes into the race fourth in points with a chance to climb into the top two positions. “I think we can come out with good points,” he said.

Graham Huffman is making his first appearance in a Kenyon Midget and will be joined by rookie contender Brayden Rutter.

The father/son team of Lee and Austin Pierce will be competing along with series regular Brian Richardson, Ryan Shilkuski and Evan Hammond.