Twice as nice for Ford at Paragon
Kyle Ford in victory lane at Paragon Speedway (Aaron Skillman photo)
By Ken de la Bastide
PARAGON – Kyle Ford made Kenyon Midget Series history and took a big step toward the 2023 championship by sweeping the two races at Paragon Speedway. Ford becomes the first driver in the history of the series to win two feature races on the same day. He has now won three races in 2023.
Not only did he win both races but led every lap at the starter's stand. In the rescheduled feature race at Paragon Speedway from the rain delayed event on Aug. 5, Ford led at the start/finish line on all the circuits, but several times Ryan Huggler was able to challenge for the lead. Ryan Huggler is making the most of “Dirty August” coming off a second place finish at Circle City with a runner-up showing at Paragon. Tanner Tecco finished on the podium followed by Dave Osborn and Buddy Hollmeyer. Dameron Taylor who entered the race second in points finished 15th.
“Ryan had a good car and was pretty quick,” Ford said of his battle with Huggler. “He made me work for the win.”
For the regular racing program Ryan Huggler scored the K&K Marketing fast-time followed by Ford and Clayton Gaines.
Ryan Huggler scored a KRJ Race Products heat win over Evan Hammond and Jalen Cox.
Ford won the second KRJ Race Products heat victory followed by Tanner Tecco and Osborn.
The second feature win saw several cars tangle in the first and second corner when someone got sideways and stacked up the field. Logan Huggler ended up on his side and several cars were unable to continue.
Ford scored the feature win followed by Tanner Tecco and Hollmeyer with their best finishes of the year.
Taylor's troubles continued with a 13th place finish.
“Tanner kept me honest in the second feature,” Ford said of Tanner Tecco. “The track was prepped in a similar way as the first time we were there. We ran the top early, but decided to move to the bottom which was going to be quicker,” he said. “We stuck to our plan and it worked.”
Ford said the two wins puts him in a good position for a first title. “I'm thankful for how the year has gone for me,” he said. “This is one of the best seasons I've had in my racing career.” Ford said a lot of people are providing him support and encouragement. “I have to do my job in the car and stay consistent,” he said.
——
Dirty August concludes on Friday August 25 at Circle City Raceway. Then the series turns back to the paved tracks, with races at Lorain Raceway Park (Sept 9), Indianapolis Speedrome (Sept 30), and the season finale at Anderson Speedway (Oct 7).