Kenyon Midget Champion Tests Pavement Sprint Car
Kenyon Midget Champion Tests Pavement Sprint Car
Kelland Sloan - 500 Sprint Car Tour Media
On Tuesday, October 29th 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. Ryan Huggler piloted his way to the 2024 USSA Kenyon Midget Series Championship after going to victory lane four times, and finishing on a three race win streak. Huggler will now have the chance to test a non wing pavement sprint for the first time.
“This is the third year in a row that we have conducted this testing session at Anderson Speedway for the Kenyon Midget Champion,” said Jared Owen - VP Operations Anderson Speedway and 500 Sprint Car Tour Series Director. “The Kenyon Midget Series is an integral part of the continued growth for the 500 Sprint Car Tour. We have seen a lot of drivers achieve success with the 500 Sprint Car Tour who began their open wheel career with the Kenyon Midget Series. It's very exciting for us to give these young competitors a chance.”
Ryan Huggler pictured with Jackson Macenko 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. Ryan Huggler was prepared to use this test to his advantage.
“Good chance for Ryan to get some seat time in a sprint car,” said Brad Hayes - USSA Kenyon Midget Series Director. “These kids coming out of these midgets are ready to go. Ryan got right in and was competitive right away and ran some solid lap times. A lot of people are starting to show interest in the path of Kenyon Midgets to a sprint car. We had a couple drivers test midgets today and we are seeing a lot of people looking for cars to buy or rent for next season. So it’s good”.
Huggler competed in all 11 USSA Kenyon Midget Events in 2024 and never finished outside of the top ten. Huggler’s worst finish of the season was a seventh place finish at Circle City Raceway. Working alongside legendary car builders, and namesakes to the series, Don and Mel Kenyon for the entirety of the season, Huggler was able to learn from some of the best to ever do it. The old saying of, “It's not how you start, it's how you finish” could not be more true for Huggler’s 2024 season. In the final five races of the season, Huggler finished in the top five each race, had four top three finishes, and ended the season on a three race winning streak. After hovering around the top of the standings all season, this stretch of dominance saw Huggler take a commanding point lead and ultimately, saw him win his first Kenyon Midget Championship.
“There is a lot more power,” Huggler said with a grin when comparing the sprint car to his Kenyon Midget. “The driving line was a lot different. I tried getting around the track the same way I normally do and struggled at first. The midget doesnt have power steering but the sprint car does. So, that was quite an adjustment as well”.
The Kenyon Midget Series has been a stepping stone to pavement sprint car racing for many years. Names like Dakoda Armstrong, Jackson Macenko, Nick Hamilton, Kyle Hamilton (Little 500 Winner), and many more have all made a name for themselves after starting their career in the Kenyon Midget Series. The defending Little 500 Champion, Caleb Armstrong, also got his start in the Kenyon Midget Series and adds his name to an impressive list of Little 500 winners to have competed with the Kenyon Midget Series.
This test was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the USSA Kenyon Midget Series, the 500 Sprint Car Tour, Anderson Speedway, Hoosier Tire, and EMAS Anderson. 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. EMAS, the Official Ambulance and Safety provider of Anderson Speedway, played a major role in the ability for this test to be conducted. Routinely being on property for every Anderson Speedway event and open wheel tests, EMAS provided safety services during this test free of charge.
