Tire strategy key to Anderson win
Dameron Taylor and BJ Shaw at Anderson speedway earlier in the 2025 season (Aaron Skillman photo)
By Ken de la Bastide
With drivers preparing for the marquee event for the Kenyon Midget Series, tire strategy is at the forefront when it comes to strategy. For the ninth time the series will be competing in the 75-lap Don and Mel Kenyon Classic at Anderson Speedway.
Dameron Taylor is the defending race winner claiming his second Kenyon Classic a year ago to tie Colin Grissom with two victories.
Entering the race at Anderson, Isaac Johnson took over the point lead from Taylor with his second consecutive victory this season at Paragon Speedway.
“Just continue what we've been doing all year,” Johnson said. “Stay out of trouble and maximize our day. Anderson has not treated me well in the past,” he said. “I hope this weekend to turn things around.”
Johnson said the team's strategy is to be in contention for the victory at the end of 75-laps and not beat themselves.
A year ago Clayton Gaines finished second in the Classic and is ready for the return visit to Anderson. “I plan to conserve the tires the first half of the race,” Gaines said. “I want to survive early and will have four new tires for the weekend.”
He said at the first Anderson race this season he tried a new set-up on the Midget that didn't work out. “I'm going back to the original set-up,” Gaines said. “I think last year I had a chance of winning before it started to rain.”
Landon Brown, the 2024 Redline Ace Rookie of the Year, is making his first start this year after suffering an injury at the Fort Wayne Rumble. “I'm ready for my first race of the season,” he said. “It will be important to qualify well at Anderson for track position. I want to get up front and save the tires,” Brown said. “Last year the tires dropped off at the halfway point. I want to be there at the end.”
Rookie Kaleb Case said he has been getting physically in shape to run 75-laps. “It will be the longest race I've ever been in,” he said. “It will be a nice experience and good for me.”
Case said he's confident going into the Classic after finishing fifth at Paragon. “I hope to qualify strong and be able to get up front early in the race and save tires,” he said.
Kyle Sheard has been the driver waiting for Lady Luck to smile on him this year. Sheard set fast time at the first Anderson race and won a KRJ Race Products heat but his night ended in a tangle with Evan Hammond.
At Paragon he again set fast-time but his night ended early. “I'm hoping for our luck to turn around,” Sheard said. “That's been the story for two years.” Sheard said the team has finally figured out Anderson Speedway and is looking for another strong effort this weekend. “To win, you have to finish,” he said the team's strategy will be this weekend. “Our goal is to finish strong.”
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The Don & Mel Kenyon Classic takes place at Anderson Speedway on Saturday June 21, 2025.