Speedrome presents unique challenges

Evan Hammond (39) and John Robbins (19) battle in heat race action at the Speedrome on May 5, 2023. (Aaron Skillman photo)

By Ken de la Bastide

The penultimate race of the 2023 Kenyon Midget Series takes place on the demanding one-fifth mile Indianapolis Speedrome oval. For most of the competitors the only visit to the flat track was earlier this season, a race dominated by Aryton Houk, who will not be at the track next weekend.

Kyle Ford enters the final two races with a healthy margin over defending champion Dameron Taylor with Tanner Tecco in striking distance of the second spot.

The tight rookie of the year tussle has three drivers looking to take home the honors. Cash Wyke leads Evan Hammon by only seven points with Kyle Sheard 51 points back even though he missed the opening race of the season.

Prior to this year the Kenyon Midget Series last raced at the Speedrome in 2021. It produced some exciting racing for a podium finish among four drivers. After setting fast time earlier this year, Houk pulled a zero for the inversion which put him on the front row along side Taylor. Houk took the lead at the start chased by Jackson Macenko, Taylor, rookie Jalen Cox and Ford. While Houk remained on the point there was an intense battle for the second spot among Taylor, Macenko and Cox. Taylor and Macenko were swapping the second spot once or twice on every lap with Cox and Ford lurking just behind. On the 23rd circuit Taylor and Cox got inside of Macenko for the second and third spots. But on the final lap Macenko passed Cox in the final corner to come home in third.

——

The Kenyon Midget Series races at the Indianapolis Speedrome on Saturday night September 30. Racing starts at 6:00 pm