NORWOOD, ON- 2014 Peterborough Speedway Ltd. Late Model champion Ryan Kimball has set himself up for a busy weekend at October 10th-12th’s Autumn Colours Classic.
The Norwood, ON driver will campaign duel efforts in the 114-lap Pro Late Model feature as well as the 75-lap Limited Late Model feature, in a combined effort made possible by SMG Motorsports’ Sean Grosman and Janzen Racing’s Wally Janzen.
“This is a dream come true”, smiles the oft-reserved Kimball. “To be able to enter the biggest race weekend in the province, with the two best car owners in the industry is a bigger opportunity than I ever thought I would have”
“Wally gave me an opportunity to race for him weekly at Peterborough, and we brought him his first championship as an owner”, continues Kimball. “Now, I would love more than anything to put him in victory lane as an Autumn Colours Classic winner”
Kimball’s Pro Late Model endeavor will carry backing from Grosman – a noted Late Model competitor in his own right. The relationship blossomed after the two partnered over the off-season, with Kimball preparing equipment for Grosman’s outings at Sunset Speedway.
“I partnered with Ryan with the intention of having some fun in 2014. Racing had started to feel more and more like a chore, and being around Ryan has really injected some fun back into the sport for me”, explains Grosman. “He’s incredibly gifted at what he does. Whether it’s behind the wheel of a car, or fine-tuning the best possible setup at home in the shop, he puts forth a level of commitment that’s tough to find”
“He had a deal in place with Wally to race the Ltd. Late Model event at the Classic, and now we’ve been able to put something in place to keep him even busier”
A proud owner of numerous ‘Classic’ podium appearances, Kimball will enter the event in hopes of earning his first career victory at the Crown Jewel weekend.
“I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve been close to winning this race”, says Kimball. “I’ve got a great feeling about this season. Both of these cars are incredibly stout, and I think with all of the success we were able to have at Peterborough this season, we’re heading into the weekend with a huge leg-up on the competition”
When asked about strategy for the 114-lap Pro Late Model main event, Kimball is quick to explain that a conservative strategy is in the cards for his SMG Motorsports No. 29.
“114-laps is a lifetime at Peterborough. Every year you get guys coming out trying to win on the first lap, but you need to save your equipment if you want to be around at the end. I’ve raced this event enough to know how quickly you can burn up your tires and brakes, so we’ll definitely be concentrating on hanging back early, saving our stuff and putting together a late-race run”
“Sean’s car is one of the nicest pieces I’ve ever seen. And when you combine the strength of the equipment with the technical support from [McColl Racing Enterprises’] Mike McColl, it’s easy to see why we’re as confident as we are”
Kimball’s efforts will be made possible thanks to SMG Motorsports, Janzen Racing, The Landing Strip Gentleman’s Club of Toronto, Rylex Glass & Mirror, Flagship Property and For Your Eyes Only Gentleman’s Club of Toronto. Pit-side support will come from Ryan’s father Bill, longtime friend Brad Stevenson and SMG Motorsports team members Bill Craig and Jamie Sutton.
To learn more about Ryan Kimball, Sean Grosman and the rest of the SMG Motorsports team, follow along on Twitter @SMGMotorsports.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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