Drivers anticipating return to Paragon
Current points leader Ryan Huggler on his way to a heat race win at Paragon Speedway in 2023. (Aaron Skillman photo)
By Ken de la Bastide
With the last dirt oval race on the Kenyon Midget Series schedule several drivers are hoping to score big in the point chase.
A year ago champion Kyle Ford won both races at Paragon Speedway but there was a good mix of drivers finishing in the top five. Current points leader Ryan Huggler won two heat races at Paragon and also captured a K&K Marketing qualifying award. Huggler finished second in the first Paragon race and finished eighth in the second. “I always look forward to the dirt races,” Huggler said, “especially since I didn't have much luck at the last two races at Circle City.”
Huggler said he feels confident going into the weekend, but doesn't want to get too comfortable. “A lot can still happen in the points battle,” he said.
Evan Hammond, the 2023 Ace Redline Rookie of the year, comes into the Paragon race second in points, trailing Huggler by 48 points. “I'm looking forward to it,” Hammond said of the Paragon race. “I adapt better to the bigger tracks, so I'm really excited. I think my experience on dirt will serve me well.”
A year ago Hammond finished 14th in the first race but rebounded with a sixth place showing in the second event. “I think we will be rolling off strong,” Hammond said. “We've been doing good and are still in the championship race.” A year ago he won rookie of the year honors at the last race of the season at Anderson.
Buddy Hollmeyer has been knocking on the door for that first career win and is very excited about the return to Paragon. In 2023 he notched a third and fifth place finish at the track. He is currently fourth in the point standings. “The races last year were a big confidence boost,” Hollmeyer said. “I'm more confident this year. I'm excited to get back to a larger dirt track. The main focus is to qualify in the top six and make the redraw,” he said. “Paragon is a fun track and suits our car well.”
Kyle Sheard finished fourth and sixth at Paragon a year ago and is looking to move up in the finishing order. “I'm excited,” Sheard said. “I like racing on dirt better than asphalt. We all learned last year that you can't race the top there,” he said. “But I feel we can run two lines there in the middle and bottom and be more able to pass. Paragon was my first time on dirt last year,” Sheard said. “I've learned a lot. Right now we're just working on getting the car better. We haven't had the best of luck this year, so we're looking to change that.”
______
The Kenyon Midget Series races at Paragon Speedway on Saturday September 21.