Alex Kennedy is attempting to make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at Sonoma Raceway this weekend driving for Humphrey Smith Racing, LLC (HSR). Kennedy, who is familiar with the 2.52-mile road course, will pilot the No. 19 MediaMaster/Dream Factory Toyota Camry.
“I want to thank Mark Smith and Randy Humphrey for providing this great opportunity,” said Kennedy, a 21-year-old driver from Aztec, N.M. “I look forward to working with the team this weekend and doing a good job for them.”
As an aspiring race car driver, Kennedy, then 12, competed in multiple Legends Car events at the hilly, 12-turn course. Known for its motto, “Think Outside the Oval”, Sonoma Raceway is one of only two road courses on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule.
Kennedy brings NASCAR racing experience with him, having competed in 14 events in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, nine of which were on the road courses of Watkins Glen, Road America and Montreal. He earned his best finish of 15th last year at Montreal.
“I look forward to racing at Sonoma with the Sprint Cup drivers,” said Kennedy. “I love road course racing and I think it puts the race back into the driver’s hands. As long as you can get your car to turn left and right, and stay out of trouble, you should have a good day.”
When asked his goals, Kennedy explains, “Each lap will be a learning experience in practice and the race, that’s for sure. My goals are to learn from the other Cup drivers, earn their respect and have a good finish for HSR.”
Kennedy will pilot HSR’s chassis No. 318, which was last raced by Jason Leffler at Pocono Raceway on June 9th. As a tribute to Leffler, who was tragically killed in a sprint car accident last week, Kennedy’s Toyota will carry the familiar “LEFturn” decal above the right side door.
HSR PR
- CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT LONG BEACH: Team Chevy Practice Report - April 19, 2024
- Burt Myers on Pole for Hayes Jewelers 200, Ward Starts Second at Bowman Gray - April 19, 2024
- O’Ward Takes Top Spot in Tight Opening Long Beach Practice - April 19, 2024