KINCARDINE, ON- Mini Stock standout turned Thunder Car freshman Kevin Bridge will be back in action at Sauble Speedway this weekend. Fresh off of a top-10 finish in the division’s first points-paying event of 2015 last Saturday, Bridge is set to continue his bid for the Rookie of the Year title.
“Everything about this season is going to be about working hard and improving,” says Bridge when asked his goals for the June 13th event. “We knew coming in just what we were up against – and it’s exactly the challenge we were hoping for”
“I was proud of our top-10 last Saturday. Every time I hit the track, it feels like I pick up another bit of knowledge that I didn’t have before”
The multi-time feature winner is quick to explain the myriad of differences between his current ride and the Honda Civic that made him a familiar fixture in victory lane.
“There are a lot more subtleties to these cars than a Mini Stock,” says the longtime Sauble regular. “The first time we had this car on track I fell in love with it, and I think I enjoy driving it more and more every time we have it out of the trailer. I can absolutely understand why guys spend their entire career racing these cars”
In addition to studying his own ride, Bridge admits much of his free-time at the speedway is spent examining the veterans of the division for tips on how to run his own upstart program.
“I don’t spend much time up at the fence anymore,” offers Bridge with a laugh. “Any time I have a free moment, I’m watching what the veterans are doing and seeing how they handle their programs. There are so many experienced guys in this division that, if you pay attention, you can’t help but learn from them”
And though the Kincardine, ON driver does not expect success to be instantaneous, he’s more than willing to bide his time and earn his spot amongst the division’s elite.
“Our game plan is just to make gains every Saturday. If I can keep all four corners on this car and keep moving forward, I’ll be elated. We’re here to learn. We expect to contend for wins one day soon, but that doesn’t come without a lot of hours in the shop and at the track picking up knowledge”
“We’re in this for the long haul – that’s for sure.”
Kevin Bridge’s 2015 season is made possible thanks to the support of LiUNA, Huronview Insurance, Spira Fire Protection, DK Daniel Kelly Custom Woodworking, Castrol, Saugeen Shores Transmission, ImageWraps.ca, EPIC Racewear, Bridgehaven Angus, Gilcrest Speed & Custom, Walt Fabrication, NGK Spark Plugs, DEI and Permatex.
Fans can stay up to date on Kevin’s progress through his rookie season at the official Kevin Bridge Racing page on Facebook or by following on Twitter @BridgeRacing.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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