Kaleb Johnson enjoyed his first experience of competing at the Weis Markets National Open presented by Sage Fruit.
Johnson and car owner Dennis Gainey tackled the crown jewel World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series event at Williams Grove Speedway last weekend.
“I think the experience of it was really cool,” Johnson said. “We showed some speed at times, but it’s hard to expect results at a big race like that with no experience at a track like Williams Grove. I think big picture it went all right. A lot of people came up to us and said thanks for coming so that was awesome. I thought the people were really nice.”
Johnson timed in 23 rd quickest in his qualifying group each night. He transferred out of a non-qualifier race and into a heat race both nights. On Friday, Johnson maneuvered from 11 th to seventh in a heat race before ending the night 14 th in the Last Chance Showdown. On Saturday, Johnson placed 11 th in a heat race and he gained a position to end sixth in the C Main.
“I’ve never raced on a track that big and racing around other cars is a whole different kind of dirty air than Knoxville or other bigger tracks,” he said. “It took me a couple of laps to get used to the speed. It almost made it seem like it was a mile long. It was a good learning experience.
“A lot of it is putting a whole night together. You have to be good every time you hit the track. These bigger races we did the last few weeks was in an effort to learn and get better, and I think we did that. I want to thank Dennis and his team for the opportunity.”
QUICK RESULTS –
Oct. 4 – Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa. – Qualifying: 23; Non-qualifier race: 2 (3); Heat race: 7 (11); B Main: 14 (10).
Oct. 5 – Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa. – Qualifying: 23; Non-qualifier race: 4 (6); Heat race: 11 (11); C Main: 6 (7).
SEASON STATS –
52 races, 1 win, 14 top fives, 29 top 10s, 35 top 15s, 39 top 20s
ILP PR
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