Kaleb Johnson was able to experience several new tracks and events to wrap up the 2024 season, which culminated last weekend at the World of Outlaws World Finals.
Johnson and car owner Dennis Gainey ventured to The Dirt Track at Charlotte for the four-day World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series spectacle.
“It was an experience and I had a good time,” Johnson said. “The results weren’t great, but it’s a different place. The atmosphere was really cool and I’m grateful I was able to experience it. I learned more about my race craft, putting myself in a better position behind race cars. I think it was good for me.”
Johnson qualified 18 th quickest for the Thursday and Friday programs. He advanced a position in a heat race on Thursday and moved forward two spots in the Last Chance Showdown. Johnson rallied from ninth to sixth place in a heat race on Friday to miss locking into the main event by only one position. He was competitive just outside a transfer spot early in the Last Chance Showdown before slowing to bring out a caution.
“I got into the cushion and it broke the mud cover,” he said. “When it did that it snapped the bleeder hose that goes from the bleeder into the rim. It cut that and we lost all air and we weren’t able to get back out on the track.”
The event wrapped up on Saturday with Johnson placing ninth in a heat race and second in the C Main to advance into the Last Chance Showdown. He maneuvered from 14 th to ninth place in the consolation race.
“It was definitely a learning weekend,” he said. “With the way the track was there wasn’t a lot of grip. Finding grip throughout the weekend was the biggest thing. The first couple of nights we weren’t there yet. Friday and Saturday we hit on something and got the car a lot better.
“Thanks to Dennis and the guys for the opportunity and hard work. It was a weekend of learning and we’re better off for experiencing it.”
QUICK RESULTS –
Nov. 7 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte in Concord, N.C. – Qualifying: 18; Heat race: 8 (9); B Main: 12 (14).
Nov. 8 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte in Concord, N.C. – Qualifying: 18; Heat race: 6 (9); B Main: 12 (6).
Nov. 9 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte in Concord, N.C. – Heat race: 9 (9); C Main: 2 (1); B Main: 9 (14).
SEASON STATS –
55 races, 1 win, 14 top fives, 29 top 10s, 35 top 15s, 39 top 20s
ILP PR
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