Shilkuski hoping to contend for title

By Ken de la Bastide

Entering his third full-time season with the Kenyon Midget Series, Ryan Shilkuski is hoping to be a contender for the champions trophy.

He finished sixth in the point standings in 2024 and placed second in the Redline Ace Rookie of the standings behind Landon Brown.

During his second full-season he placed eighth in the final standings. Shilkuski earned his first podium finish in the opening race at Anderson Speedway coming home third and earning the Advanced Racing Suspensions Hard Charger honors. He also earned the hard charger honors at Paragon Speedway with a sixth place showing.

“Right now we're planning on running the full-schedule,” Shilkuski said. “Last year was rough. We had good and bad days.”

He was the first recipient of the Kenyon Midget Series Golden Ticket and the $3,100 that was awarded. “The money is going to be helpful,” Shilkuski admitted. “The plan is to spend the money to upgrade the Midget.”

Ryan Shilkuski at Anderson Speedway in 2025. (Aaron Skillman photo)

He is looking forward to going back to Anderson and the Michigan tracks in addition to the two races at the Lincoln Park dirt oval. “I'm looking forward to going back to Anderson,” Shilkuski said. “I think we can qualify and race there better than in the past.” He is hoping to contend for the championship this year.

“I've been to Lincoln Park as a fan,” Shilkuski said of the new track on the schedule. “It should be a good race track for us. I think we will be able to run the low groove and the cushion.”

He said the team made a lot of improvements on the Berlin oval.

“We had the car working at Owosso,” Shilkuski said, “and was close to fast time.”

Lady Luck didn't shine on the effort resulting in a 15th place finish, but he believes the team has the right set-up for the Michigan oval.

Outside of racing, Shilkuski also got married after the 2025 season.