(Bill W) – May 12, 2010 – It was a rough weekend to say the least for 21 year old sprint car driver Kaley Gharst. A mechanical breakdown in Jacksonville, Illinois on Friday, and an unavoidable crash on Saturday at Knoxville Raceway were the lowlights. However, the Randy and Lori Plath Motorsports #14P will be back in action this weekend at Knoxville with high hopes.
The Sprint Invaders visit to the Jacksonville Speedway saw the Decatur, Illinois driver draw outside row one of the first heat. He would win that and then run fifth in the shake-up dash. “We were pretty decent there in the heat, and we were able to win it,” says Kaley. “We drew bad for the dash, but things get scrambled up after the draw anyway. We were trying a few things, but I think we ended up finishing where we started.”
The dash roll of the dice put Kaley inside row two for the main event. Unfortunately, his race would not last long. “We started third, and once we got going after a few cautions, I think we were good,” he says. “I think we were set up to get better as the race wore on.”
Mechanical gremlins set in. “Unfortunately, we had the throttle pedal break on us,” says Kaley. “I tried to use the side of my foot on the throttle for awhile, but to keep from getting someone hurt, I pulled it off. Unfortunately, we didn’t get an opportunity to see what we had for Jerrod Hull. That’s part of racing.”
After changing to the 410 sprinter, the team headed over to Knoxville on Saturday, where 39 sprinters signed in on Knoxville vs. IRA Challenge night. Kaley registered the 16th quick time of the night. “We qualified around 15.2 and that’s the quickest I’ve went up there for awhile,” he says of his lap. “I bobbled in turn two, and again in three and four, so hopefully, I can get that smoothed out this weekend.”
The heat ended for Kaley in turn one. “We started third there, and unfortunately, the guy on the pole got sideways going into turn one,” he shares. “I tried to miss him, but I couldn’t avoid him, and we got upside down.”
Kaley walked back to the pits, and it looked like he was going to be o.k. Eventually, pain in the lower to mid-back region prompted him to take a ride to the hospital. “I had some soreness in my back, so we didn’t want to take any chances,” he says. “They gave me some meds, but all they did was make me sleep. I’m fine today (Tuesday).”
Preparations are being made for Knoxville, and the crew will be working hard this week. “The front of the car was junk, but I don’t think the back was too bad,” says Kaley. “We’re putting another one together this week. I’d like to thank Randy, Lori and everyone who is helping us get things back together.”
Keep an eye on Kaley's progress this week and beyond at www.KaleyGharst.com!
If you would like to receive Kaley's weekly releases, send an e-mail with the subject line "Kaley" to sprntcar@iowatelecom.net.
Kaley and car owner Randy Plath would like to thank Sebastian Powder Coating and Sandblasting, Holtkamp Truck and Trailer Repair, Nelson Catering, Pieper Inc., Lange Chiropractic, Rockstar Graphics, Scott Performance, Midland Performance and GPC Race Products.
- Bill Wright on May 13, 2010
- Article Date: 5/12/2010