Sheard looking to build on 2023 success

Kyle Sheard on his way to a heat race win at Berlin Raceway. (Aaron Skillman photo)

By Ken de la Bastide

Despite missing the first race of the season, Kyle Sheard made it a three-driver competition for rookie of the year honors with the Kenyon Midget Series in 2023. In his inaugural season with the series the high school student set a track record at Berlin Raceway, and recorded a heat win on the demanding Michigan track on the way to a season's best second place showing.

He finished sixth in the point standings.

Sheard also scored three top-ten finishes in four races during the Dirty August races on the dirt ovals.

Sheard was teamed with Jeff Hill for the season. Hill made eight starts last year and finished 12th in points.

“We're coming back for the entire season,” he said of 2024. “At first last year we didn't know how competitive we would be. This year we're bringing back a lot of confidence.”

Sheard said last year the decision wasn't made to compete for rookie of the year honors until the third or fourth race. “We started catching up,” he said. “It was my first time on dirt, I thought we did pretty well.” Sheard said at the first race at Circle City he suffered a flat tire and limped to a 13th place finish.

“Berlin is my favorite track,” he said. “I was able to set a track record there. I'm glad we're going back there.”

Sheard said the team is anticipating that first feature win with the Kenyon Midget Series and to be in a position to compete for the championship.

During the off-season Sheard is wrestling for the Centerville High School team in the 120-pound weight class. His record as of the second week of January was 27 wins and six defeats. “I'm ranked in the state currently,” Sheard said. “A goal is to compete at the state meet.”