(Photo by David Hill)
Inside Line Promotions – WEST BURLINGTON, Iowa (April 11, 2023) – Kaleb Johnson knocked the rust off last weekend when he kicked off his 2023 campaign during the Morning Sun Farm Implement IRA 410 Clash hosted by 34 Raceway.
Johnson showcased a fast sprint car, but also faced misfortune during the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series doubleheader.
“I would say we were a little disappointed, especially with Saturday,” he said. “We set quick time and it went downhill from there. We struggled with the car being too tight and over on the right rear most of the night. We kept throwing things at it. So that was frustrating, but the main thing is we were able to load the car into the trailer in one piece.”
Johnson endured positive and frustrating moments through each night of the two-day event, beginning on Friday when he qualified fourth quickest in his group. He was running fourth entering turn three on the final lap of a heat race when a blown tire halted his performance. Not only did it result in a DNF – keeping him out of a dash – but it also damaged the race car.
The incident buried Johnson in a B Main and he ended 10th.
Saturday started on the right note with Johnson setting quick time out of the 24 drivers in his group. He then placed fifth in both a heat race and a dash to line up on the inside of the fifth row in the main event.
“It was very uncomfortable and I didn’t want to risk tearing up our equipment,” he said. “We faded a bit and it was really tough to pass so I decided to pull off early.”
Johnson, who was credited with a 19th-place result, is looking to rebound this Saturday during the season opener at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa.
“We plan on racing in both the 410 and 360 classes so hopefully we can have a smooth night and be competitive in both cars,” he said.
QUICK RESULTS –
April 7 – 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa – Qualifying: 4; Heat race: DNF (3); B Main: 10 (11).
April 8 – 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa – Qualifying: 1; Heat race: 5 (4); Dash: 5 (3); Feature: 19 (9).
SEASON STATS –
2 races, 0 wins, 0 top fives, 0 top 10s, 0 top 15s, 1 top 20
UP NEXT –
Saturday at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa
MEDIA LINKS –
Website: http://www.kalebjohnsonracing.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kaleb___Johnson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KalebJohnsonRacing22
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT – Folkens Brothers Trucking
Folkens Brothers Trucking is a livestock hauling service with headquarters in Lester, Iowa. The company has been running since 1979. For more information, visit http://www.FolkensBros.com.
“I feel very honored to have the support of Folkens Brothers Trucking,” Johnson said. “To look at a list of the drivers they’ve supported over the years, it’s an honor to be aligned with them. We’re very appreciative and looking forward to earning success together.”
Johnson would like to thank Merle Johnson Farm Toys, Oddson Underground, Inc., Folkens Brothers Trucking, Joel Pingeon Trucking, Blondie Motorsports, Construction Products & Consultants, GRP Motorsports, Innovative Design/Sletten Properties, Turn 2 Lodge, Cressman Sanitation, Hohn Palmer LLC, State Bank of Fairmont, AB Custom Construction, Specialized Caulking Sealants, The Minnesota Mafia, Guaranteed Rate-Mike Brudigan Home Loans, The Ron Weber Team, David Kramer Drywall, Big Al’s Diecast, Heartland Properties, Dave’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, TL Racing, Hepfner Racing Products, TJ Forged Wheels, Howe Motorsports, Moyle Racing Engines, Kistler Racing Engines, Forged in Dirt and Team DGRD for their continued support.
INSIDE LINE PROMOTIONS –
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- Shawn Miller on Apr 11, 2023
- Article Date: 4/11/2023 by Inside Line Promotions