Kenyon Midget Salem Speedway

At 14, JK Racing, LLC gave me an opportunity I’ll never forget — putting me in a car with basically zero experience in the series and taking me under their wing. They along with Ayrton Houk Racing helped me grow into a driver who was more competitive and confident than I ever thought I could be.

I got to run a few races at the end of that first year and even picked up my first heat win on dirt. Year 2, they added a second car so BJ and I could both chase this dream. That #6 quickly became my bestie.

I finished my first full season 9th in points out of 20+ drivers — and I was the youngest guy out there.

That last race of that season was the one we’ll never forget. The #6 caught fire in crash at Anderson. Kevin still jokes that my mom was crying because “her baby was on fire,” while he was crying because “his baby” (#6) was on fire. In reality, he was way more worried about me and just trying to lighten the mood.

Fast forward to this year… the #6 has just never been the same. We’ve chased gremlins all season, and the last three races have ended with finishes none of us wanted because of issues nobody can seem to figure out. My team has put in HOURS tearing that thing apart, trying to get it right.

We thought we finally had it. We saw it perform and were ready to send it at Salem last night.

Then we fired it up at the track… and the #6 decided to remind us it still had other plans.

Thankfully, the O’Gara’s had just bought a second car and brought it to Salem to shake down while they rebuild it. My dad went into full dad mode and somehow secured me a ride to drive last night — even though the car still needed some work.

Andy, Kyle and Brad went to work and got it ready just in time for practice.

And man… that car was ON RAILS.

6th fastest in practice/qualifying, finished 3rd the heat race and starting the feature from the 3rd position. For the first time in a while, I felt like myself again — up front and where I belong.

19 laps in, a lapped car took my brakes out and that ended our night.

Obviously not the finish we wanted, but I’m leaving Salem with something way bigger — my confidence is back.

Now I just need to get Sage to ward off whatever bad luck we’ve been carrying and we’ll be back on top before we know it.

Huge thanks to everyone who jumped in and made last night happen. Racing is a crazy sport, but nights like this remind me why I love it. Dive Rescue International - Public Safety, Pitcher Perfect, The Bin Blaster and Yellow Road Reality thank you for the support on the good and bad days. And to you, the fans, thanks for always cheering and supporting me!