NORWOOD, ON- After years spent impressing in Pro Late Model and Ltd. Late Model competition, former Peterborough Speedway track champion Flyin’ Ryan Kimball tallied a 4th place finish in his first career OSCAAR Super Late Model appearance.
Kimball, a longtime Peterborough regular, has filled the role of Crew Chief for SMG Motorsports founder Sean Grosman all season long. At Peterborough, he stepped in as a replacement driver for Grosman, as ‘The Frequent Flyer’ was occupied with a previously scheduled family engagement.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever worked so hard the day before a race,” chuckled Kimball when asked about the repairs made to the No. 29 after a rough outing just seven days earlier. “This car was a mess when it came home from Sauble. We worked all week to put it back together again. But, man was it worth it”
The 50-lap event served as Kimball’s first ever start behind the wheel of a Super Late Model, but the Norwood, ON driver made sure to rely on his thousands of laps at Peterborough. He acclimated himself almost immediately – winning his first ever qualifying heat race with the tour.
“I’ve never had anything with this kind of power,” explained Kimball. “It was an entirely new experience. But, once we got it on track, I couldn’t believe how quickly we got comfortable with it. At the end of the day, we told ourselves that it was just another racecar, and that seemed to settle us down”
“This car is better every time we have it out,” continued the former Autumn Colours Classic champion. “We haven’t even scratched the surface on how good it can be”
In addition to further solidifying his reputation as one of Ontario’s most versatile drivers, Kimball noted his top-5 finish will also aid him in his Crew Chief role when he returns to the top of the pit box at Sunset Speedway on August 22nd.
“Having a night behind the wheel is, in the long run, going to help me be a better Crew Chief for Sean,” said the likeable veteran. “This car responds completely different than anything either one of us has ever raced before. But now that I have some hands on experience with it, I’m confident it will help me figure out the best changes to make when we get back to Sunset. This is just another step in the learning process”
When asked if he hopes to make a second OSCAAR Tour start in the near future, Kimball admitted that although his present-day focus remains with his family-owned Pro Late Model program, he’ll always be just a phone call away should Grosman require a fill-in.
“I don’t think I would ever turn down the opportunity to drive one of these bad boys,” laughed Kimball. “I’ve got my personal budget tied up with my Pro Late Model program – so I don’t think I’ll be owning one any time soon. But maybe I could beg my way back into Sean’s car one day.”
The SMG Motorsports team will be back in action with Sean Grosman at the helm on Saturday, August 22nd at Sunset Speedway.
SMG Motorsports’ 2015 campaign is made possible thanks to the support of For Your Eyes Only of Toronto, The Landing Strip Gentleman’s Club of Toronto, Flagship Properties, SL Promotions and Rylex Glass & Mirror.
For more information on the team, follow on Twitter @SMGMotorsports and visit www.SMGMotorsports.com.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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