Kenyon Midget Series banquet closes out the 2024 season
By Ken de la Bastide
INDIANAPOLIS – The Kenyon Midget Series celebrated the 2024 season with the annual awards banquet at Speedway Indoor Karting on Saturday night. Since the Kenyon Midget Series was formed the founding brothers Don and Mel have been regulars at the races. Don and Mel Kenyon started the Kenyon Midget Series in 2009 and have been a constant presence to assist and encourage the many competitors. Known as the “King of the Midgets”, Mel Kenyon is 91 years young and his brother Don is 89 years of age.
At the banquet the two brothers were named the RRC Mechanics of the Year for their efforts in helping Ryan Huggler claim his first championship.
Ryan Huggler set four K&K Marketing fast times during the year, scored five KRJ heat wins and was the Advanced Racing Products hard charger three times.
Huggler captured the K&K Marketing Top Gun award for scoring the most points during qualifying and also the KRJ Race Products Heat Race award.
“It has been a while since I got back to victory lane,” Huggler said. “My family has supported me throughout my career. I’m not sure where we’re headed next year.”
Evan Hammond the 2023 Redline Ace Rookie of the year finished second in the 2024 point standings. “I want to thank the Kenyon’s,” Hammond said. “This is a great platform in order to advance your career.”
Gary Mong, the Anderson Speedway flagman, received the Jimmy Neal award for his support of the Kenyon Midget Series.
The KRJ Race Products Team Effort Award went to the multi-car team of Jeff Hill Trailer Sales for their efforts during 2024.
As the series concludes the 2024 season, all signs are pointing towards an exciting 2025 with new competitors and new tracks coming on board.
At the banquet USSA owner Brad Hayes announced several confirmed race dates for 2025. The series opens at Anderson Speedway on April 5 for the Dick Jordan Classic and returns to Anderson Speedway on Oct. 4. Two dates have been confirmed at the Indianapolis Speedrome on April 26 and Sept. 20 and the series will visit Owosso Speedway in Michigan for the first time on Aug. 2. Hayes said pending dates are being discussed with Berlin Raceway, Salem Speedway and the dirt ovals at Circle City and Paragon.
It was announced that JK Racing is expanding to a two car effort in 2025 with BJ Shaw and Evan Patton at the controls. Clayton Bohanon, who ran a limited schedule in 2024 is returning next year for additional races and Kaleb Case will be competing in a car purchased by Chris Hogue.