NORWOOD, ON- After a 2013 season spent largely aiding with fellow drivers’ operations, veteran Late Model racer Ryan Kimball is prepared for an ambitious return to active competition in 2014.
“We definitely didn’t do as many events as we were hoping to last season”, admits the blue-collar veteran. “But even when we weren’t competing, I was fortunate enough to be at the speedway, wrenching on equipment and learning. 2014 is going to be all about getting back to driving and applying all that I learned last season”.
A former Kawartha Speedway regular, Flyin’ Ryan is not likely to race for points at any facility this season, opting instead to follow more of an ‘outlaw’ schedule.
“We’ve points raced for a long time, and it really ties you down to one facility for a whole summer”, explains Kimball. “I’m more looking forward to racing wherever we feel like, chasing big shows and running against top-tier competition”.
A busy summer of racing kicks off on May 3rd, when Sunset Speedway hosts the first annual ‘Spring Derby’.
“Sunset is one of my favourite speedways in the entire province. I’ve won there before, and am confident that we have a strong program ready for the 100-lapper”, says Kimball. “The Limited Late Model division is tough anywhere you go. But Sunset just seems to bring out the best in guys. It’s not easy to find yourself in victory lane there, and that’s exactly what I love about the place”.
The former Velocity 250 champion is quick to explain that his 2014 program would not be possible without his partnership with Wally Janzen of Janzen Racing.
“I’m not sure we’d be racing if it wasn’t for Wally”, continues Kimball. “He’s been amazing for us. He’s got top notch equipment and I’m just the lucky guy that gets to drive it. We gelled right from our first race together. For everything that he does for this team, I feel as though the only way to properly thank him is to go out and grab some wins this season”.
“I sat out almost the entirety of the 2013 season, and it really puts things in perspective. At this point in my career, I’m grateful for anyone who’s ever turned a wrench on one of these cars, given me an opportunity to compete or even help push our car into the trailer after a rough night. It all means the world to me. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the best in the game. Guys like Graham Annis, who are absolute masters at what they do. I can’t thank them enough”.
“I’m excited for 2014”, beams Kimball. “I don’t care where I’m racing – or what I’m racing. You could tell me we’re racing wheelbarrows one week, and I’ll be there with a smile on my face trying to get it to turn”.
Ryan Kimball’s 2014 season will carry marketing support from Janzen Racing and The Landing Strip Gentleman’s Club of Toronto.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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