PETERSEN MEDIA: It's no secret to anyone in the racing world, Cody Darrah's return from a devastating knee injury was rough. The impressive thing? Darrah's poise to ignore the naysayer's keep his head up, continue to improve, and even pick up his first win with Kasey Kahne Racing in 2011.
After Kasey Kahne signed Red Lion, PA native, Cody Darrah, to pilot his second car on the World of Outlaw tour for 2010, the youngster was involved in a street car collision during Florida Speedweeks, that caused a severe knee injury, and ended Darrah's 2010 season.
Darrah continued to travel with the KKR team and watched how they worked, as well as paying close attention to many venues he had never seen as he anticipated his return to action in 2011.
As expected, Darrah took his rookie lumps on the tour this year, and many 'internet owners' questioned his continued employment with KKR, but they saw something special in him.
"We obviously see something in Cody, and know how most rookie seasons on the tour go," said KKR Manager, Willie Kahne. "The kid has talent, and we are thrilled to continue to watch him grow and succeed."
Things got extremely rough for the 22-year old driver in the middle of the summer, but on August 27, Darrah broke into victory lane aboard his KKR/Great Clips No. 91 for the first time and only time of 2011 as he out dueled teammate Brad Sweet, and "The King", Steve Kinser.
"That win was huge," explained Darrah. "I was just excited I still had a job, because I sure did do my part in emptying out our trailer all season, but my guys stuck behind me and it was awesome to get that win."
As the season continued on, Darrah used his momentum and picked up a few top five finishes, but continued to visit tracks for his first time.
With 2011 winding down, the youngster picked up some important momentum for the offseason as he put together a masterful World Finals run during the season finale as he charged from his tenth starting spot to a fourth place finish.
This last weekend, Darrah competed in his home state of Pennsylvania for two days of action, and he kicked the weekend off by charging from his 11th starting position to an impressive third place finish against the PA Posse.
On Sunday, Cody returned to Hagerstown Speedway for the Octoberfest, the event Cody won last year in his first start back from injury.
Gridding the field in the fifth spot, Darrah worked his way up to second, and fought for the lead, until he lost his brakes late in the feature, and still scored a fifth place finish.
"Just watching him progress has been fun in 2011," said Willie Kahne. "The organization as a whole is excited we have him back in 2012."
Cody Darrah and KKR would like to thank Great Clips, Sage Fruit, Factory Kahne Shocks, Team ASE, Curb Records, Freightliner, MPD, BOSCH, Kaeding Performance, and Brown and Miller for their continued support in 2011.
Stay up to speed with Cody by visiting his website at www.codydarrah.com, or following him on twitter @CodyDarrah91.
For the latest news on Kasey Kahne Racing visit www.kkr9.com.
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- Petersen Media on Nov 14, 2011
- Article Date: 11/14/2011