Kenzie Ruston finished second, to race winner Brandon Jones, in the Autolite Iridium XP 150 at Iowa Speedway on Friday night. Ruston’s second place finish improved her record of being the highest finishing female in NASCAR K&N Pro Series history. Ruston’s previous best finish was third on two separate occasions.
“We started fourteenth and worked our way up to eleventh before the break,” said Ruston. “We came in at half way and made some aggressive changes so I could move up the track and run the high line. I’ve never seen a race here in the K&N Series where the top line was that dominant.
“I can’t thank my team enough for giving me a fast car and not giving up on me,” said Ruston. “We had to fight for this one, and it’ll feel good tomorrow. It’s a little disappointing to be so close to a win and finish second, but it’s a good night for the points, and a good finish.”
“That was an awesome drive by Kenzie,” said Team Principal Ben Kennedy. “Great job by the team at the break making the adjustments so she could drive it up to second, they never give up and neither does Kenzie. I think we’re going to get a win before the season is over.”
When asked about the second place finish, Crew Chief Mike Fritts said: “Kenzie did a great job. We had to make some changes to free her up at the break. The guys running the top groove of the track were beating us pretty bad. Once we got her to the outside line in the second half she drove the wheels of it. We were the fastest car out there, and we couldn’t be happier to have her in that car tonight. She’s one of the most talented drivers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.”
The finish moved Ruston to sixth place in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Points, trailing fifth place by 22 points. Ruston competes at Watkins Glen International on Friday, August 8 in the Bully Hill Vineyards 125. Ruston will be driving the No. 96 Bully Hill Vineyards Chevrolet.
Ben Kennedy Racing PR
- Ward Breaks Winless Streak; Butner Also Takes Checkered at Bowman Gray - April 27, 2024
- Truex repeats at the Monster Mile in the BetRivers 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash race - April 27, 2024
- Hodgdon & Silk Win NAPA Auto Parts Duels; Keane, Clement, & Hydar Score NAPA Auto Parts Duel Feature Wins at Stafford Speedway - April 27, 2024