Kenyon Midget Champion Tests Pavement Sprint Car
On Thursday, October 26th the reigning USSA Kenyon Midget Champion had the chance to test a pavement sprint car in conjunction with Anderson Speedway and the 500 Sprint Car Tour. Kyle Ford piloted his way to the 2023 USSA Kenyon Midget Series Championship after going to victory lane four times. Ford will now have the chance to test a non wing pavement sprint for the first time.
“When we talked about it last year, trying to give the kids a better chance to move up, and now having a Sprint car in our stable will give us the chance to do that,” Brad Hayes said when asked about the test session. “With the support from the series, and Hoosier Tire, to let us do this today, it's really good to get Kyle, our champion, a test today.”
Brad Hayes and Kyle Ford debrief after testing a sprint car at Anderson Speedway
When the 500 Sprint Car Tour was formed in the winter of 2021, the main goal was to grow the sport of pavement sprint car racing in the midwest. A partnership was formed with Brad Hayes and the USSA Kenyon Midget Series to become a feeding system for the 500 Sprint Car Tour. It was determined that in the 500 Sprint Car Tour and Anderson Speedway would provide a two hour test for the Kenyon Midget Series Champion following their championship campaign. Kyle Ford was prepared to use this test to his advantage.
“Yeah, I think it went as good as it could have gone,” Ford said after his test. “Got as many laps in that I could, and I think I got up to speed fairly quickly and got quicker every single time we went out. I can't thank Brad Hayes, Anderson Speedway, and the 500 Sprint Car Tour for making this happen. Yeah, it's been a dream come true and I hope I can get back in a sprint car soon.”
Trey Burke & Jackson Macenko give Kyle Ford tips about driving a sprint car
Having competed for Brad Hayes Racing all season long in the Kenyon Midget Series, it was only fitting that Ford tested in the Brad Hayes Racing sprint car. Jackson Macenko drove his way to Rookie of the Year honors in 2023 in the #24 car for Brad Hayes Racing in their first year of competition. Macenko was on hand Thursday, shaking down the car and providing insight for Ford. Trey Burke, who made his pavement sprint car debut this season for Tom Brewer this season, was also on hand to provide insight for Ford. The three young competitors are close friends from their time competing against one another on their way to the 500 Sprint Car Tour.
“Jackson gave me a pretty good pointer, so I got in the car and I think that really helped jump start me getting up to speed fairly quickly,” Ford added about his friend’s input. “Trey is always a big help for me and I can always rely on him to tell me the right things and just keep me calm.”
This test was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the USSA Kenyon Midget Series, the 500 Sprint Car Tour, Anderson Speedway, and Hoosier Tire. The continued support of Hoosier Tire for both series has not gone unnoticed as they once again lend a helping hand. Hoosier Tire is the Official Tire Supplier for both the Kenyon Midget Series and the 500 Sprint Car Tour. They also have a large presence at Anderson Speedway and are the Official Tire of the Little 500 Sprint Car Classic.
