New era starts at Kenyon Midget season opener

By Ken de la Bastide

A new era will start this weekend as the Kenyon Midget Series kicks off the 2022 season at Anderson Speedway. Brad Hayes purchased the series last year and has made several changes including an increased purse structure and contingency awards.

There are 15 teams entered for the 4th annual running of the Dick Jordan Classic on the high-banked quarter-mile oval this Sunday. The entry list includes three former Series champions and three drivers that took home Rookie of the Year honors in the past. Defending champion Ayton Houk returns in an attempt to become the first two-time winner of the Dick Jordan Classic. Dameron Taylor and Trey Osborne are former champions and rookie's of the year along with Jack Macenko, who won the rookie honor in 2019.

Kameron Gladish won the inaugural Dick Jordan Classic in 2019 and Sam Hinds claimed the victory in 2020. The Dick Jordan Classic is named after the long-time media relations director for the United States Auto Club, who passed away in 2019.

Taylor, Macenko and Osborne are all setting their sights on a championship in 2022.

Two drivers with experience in several divisions at Anderson Speedway will be joining the Kenyon Midget field. Oz Osborn will be driving a midget for Ray Jackson and Kent Baledge will be steering an entry for series regular Gaines Motorsports.

There is a strong field of competitors that will be seeking rookie of the year honors in 2022 including Kyle Ford, Ashton Thompson, Ray Jackson, Tanner Tecco, Taylor Tecco and Logan Prickett.

The K&K Marketing Fast Qualifier award of $50 returns and has been expanded for all Kenyon Midget Series events going to the driver posting the best time during time trials.

This year Advanced Racing Suspension is sponsoring the Hard Charger award for the driver advancing the most positions in the feature race. The award is $100 in product of services.