Kenyon Classic on tap at Anderson

By Ken de la Bastide

The longest race of the Kenyon Midget season will take place this weekend at Anderson Speedway. The 75-lap race honors the founders of the series Don and Mel Kenyon.

Since the inception of the Kenyon Classic in 2017, there have been five different winners. Colin Grissom the defending race winner and 2018 winner Dameron Taylor will be looking to be the first driver with two wins in the Classic on the high-banked quarter mile oval.

Taylor said there has to be some adjustments for the 75-lap race, particularly with how hot the weather has been. “You need to keep the right front on the track,” he said. “Make it last to the end. A lot of people will run as hard as they can for the first 30 laps and then have to hang on for dear life by the end of the race.” Taylor said there is a big difference between 75 and 30 laps, it will wear you out.

Ryan Huggler agreed the extended distance requires more physical stamina. “I definitely noticed some exhaustion when I was younger, now I have more endurance,” he said. “It's an endurance race and you have to worry about your car and not run too hard, too soon. Makes a difference at the finish.” Huggler said you have to take the race distance into consideration when preparing for the Kenyon Classic. “A win would be really big,” Huggler said. “It's been awhile since I've had a win. We've struggled at Anderson in recent years, so it would be nice to get a win. It would be awesome.”

Logan Prickett said it will be his second time at Anderson and the first time to compete for 75 laps. “It will definitely be an endurance race for everybody,” he said. “Having only run Anderson once and doing pretty well, need to save the rear tires. Probably stay toward the back early in the race and make some moves at the end of the race.”

Point leader Jack Macenko, still looking for a first win at Anderson Speedway, said the Kenyon Classic is a “marathon and not a sprint”. Macenko agreed that setting a comfortable pace through the early stages of the race will be a benefit at the finish.

Previous winners of the Don and Mel Kenyon Classic:

2017- Trey Osborne

2018 – Dameron Taylor

2019 – Tommy Kouns

2020 – Chris Lamb

2021 – Colin Grissom