KJ Motorsports Update #12 Race #17, #18 & #19

KJ Motorsports Update #12 Race #17, #18 & #19

05/26/14

Friday we went to Legendary Hilltop Speedway, where they had 15 modifieds. We set 3rd fastest time to start us on the outside pole of heat #1 beside Roy Roush. We went on to get the win and that started us on the pole of the feature beside Jeremy Blake. Jeremy jumped to the early lead, but on a restart he broke just as we were about to take the green. Andy Bond in 3rd was able to pass me and get to the high side and we followed and pressure him the rest of the race, but we came up short and got our sixth 2nd of the year. I love racing Andy and we always race hard and regardless who comes out on top we have a good time!

Saturday and Sunday we headed to Tyler County for the Let it Ride 55 weekend. On Saturday they had 47 modifieds and we were broken up into two groups for two separate features. We were 13th fastest in our group to start us 5th in the heat race. We were struggling to get any speed out of the car. Made a change and went out in the heat race, where they were taking the top 4 to the feature. We just did finish 4th and that would start us 10th in the feature. This feature would set the stage for the big show on Sunday. They were taking the top 6 and they would be locked in to the big show. Well, we made some more changes to the car, because we needed more speed. We came from 10th to 4th running the high side. The car was running good and it reminded me of the old days up there. But, I made a huge mistake in lap traffic. As I came up on a lap car, I misjudged and wound up getting into him and flattened our right front tire with just about 5 or 6 laps to go. Tim and Danny got it changed and went back out and finished 14th. This put us in the “C” main, where they were taking the top 6 to transfer into the “B” main. We got the “C” main win and this started us 12th in the “B” main. The car had spewed a little water out after the “C” and I tried to put some water in it, but they were calling for the “B” main and we had to get on the track. We started 12th and passed a couple of cars, but the engine was overheating and I just had to pull it in and we missed the big show. Unfortunately we did not show how competitive our car has been this year at this big show, but hopefully we will have other opportunities to do so.

I want to give a shout out this week to Tom and Pam Lemon. Tom and Pam have been avid race fans of KJ Motorsports since the fall of 2006. They go above and beyond to support us in many ways and this weekend to show their support, they did just that. They were on vacation at the beach and once they learned that we were being inducted into the Dirt Modified Hall of Fame, they cut their vacation short to come join us and celebrate this honorable achievement. I appreciate all that they do and appreciate their friendship!

I can’t forget to give a shout out to a future up and coming racer, Zack Carr. Zack runs the mini wedge division and he wins often. But Sunday night, I got to see one of the best mini wedge features I’ve ever seen. Zack was running 3rd most of the race and was right there in the hunt and passed for 2nd once and got passed back. He lost his momentum one time and had to chase down the leaders. With one to go, the two leaders battled one another and was running up the track in turns one and two and Zack stayed right after it and took the shortest distance on the low side. As they exited turn 2 they were 3 wide with Zack on the inside, as they entered turn 3, the inside line was the one to have and Zack got the win. Watch out for that name in the years to come, for he’ll be a tough one!

Remember, to make this work, support those that support us! K-Graphics, Hall’s Auto Repair, Schilling Truss, JS Enterprises, Zemba Bros., Coughlincars.com, Steve Balderson Construction, Sheet Metal Local 33, Octane Race Products, Poske’s Performance Parts, Out-Pace Race Products, Racers Edge Supplements, Hypercoils, Tom & Pam Lemon, Carr Auto Glass, OVDTR.com, Billy Joe & Wanda Hammett, Bill & Patty Welch (RIP), Keyser Mfg., Shaw Race Cars, TSM Enhanced, Bazell Race Fuels, Hoosier, Aero Wheels, Wrisco Aluminum, Lubeck Community Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh, Willy’s Carburetor’s, KSE Pumps, KRC.

Kenny Johnson is one of Fifteen Inaugural Members Selected to Represent the Class of 2014 and be Inducted into the Dirt Modified Hall of Fame

Below you will see an e-mail I received from Cody Watson, the founder of DMHoF (Dirt Modified Hall of Fame). Something that was established this year in an effort to recognize and honor those who have contributed to modified racing in some fashion. I am honored to say, that I am one of the inductees in the inaugural class of 2014. Now in saying that, I believe that I did not get this on my own and wish there was a way that I could share this honor with others that have helped to put me where I am at the moment. So I want to take this time and acknowledge those that have impacted my success during my 15 years in modified racing and I hope not to leave anyone out.

Dad & Mom, Tommy & Regina Powell, Tom & Vickie Powell, Shane Thomas, Shirley Paul Keffer, Gene & Ann Casto, Tim Cooper, Chad Nelson, Jason Canepari, Keith Emrick, Steve Balderson, Billy Lloyd, Kevin & Kenny Rogers and John Carvillano with Throw'n Dirt Racecars, Tod Buckhalter, Jerry Haseleu & Rick Strickler with Hassy Chassis, Larry Shaw Racecars, Jr. Nolan with 2 Brothers Motorsports, Steve Davis, Dustin Jarrett, Brian and Chris Ferrell of Flash Productions, Mike & Ralph Whited, Tom Willoughby, Bill Shortridge, Randy Rapp of Rapp's Chevron, AMRA, Bill and Pam Hayes, Tom and Pam Lemon, The Crew at Poske's Performance Parts along with all of my current sponsors: K-Graphics, Hall’s Auto Repair, Schilling Truss, JS Enterprises, Zemba Bros., Coughlincars.com, Steve Balderson Construction, Sheet Metal Local 33, Octane Race Products, Poske’s Performance Parts, Out-Pace Race Products, Racers Edge Supplements, Hypercoils, Carr Auto Glass, OVDTR.com, Billy Joe & Wanda Hammett, Bill & Patty Welch (RIP), Keyser Mfg., Shaw Race Cars, TSM Enhanced, Bazell Race Fuels, Hoosier, Aero Wheels, Wrisco Aluminum, Lubeck Community Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh, Willy’s Carburetor’s, KSE Pumps, KRC.

Of course I can't leave out the FANS that have supported me in many ways from cheering me on to offering to help when needed. Being inducted into the DMHoF is not just for me, but for each and every one of you and I want to say thank you for being a part of it!

Dirt Modified's are one of the most popular racing divisions across America with more memberships than any other division nationwide. The individuals who achieved greatness in this division deserve and need a Hall of Fame to recognize them for their honor and hard work. Thus, in 2014 the DMHoF was born and fifteen original members are set to be honored this season on May 24th & 25th. We look to annually induct another six racers.

So without further ado, CONGRATS, you were one of just fifteen inaugural members that were selected to represent the Class of 2014 and be inducted into the Dirt Modified Hall of Fame. The presentation and induction will be on May 24th at the Tyler County Speedway as part of the "LET IT RIDE 55" Weekend, the Renegades of Dirt's biggest touring event of the season.

As part of the Hall of Fame; you will be honored on Saturday afternoon from 1pm to 3pm with a special gathering for you & family as well as any other sponsors or affiliates. We will also be getting some group photos for future use and marketing purposes. Furthermore, as part of the this Kenny will receive a commemorative plaque for his memories and marks left on the division and the sport. The presentation is open to anyone in the general public. You will also be brought out on the front stretch on Sunday night during the opening ceremonies and will be recognized in front of the large crowd on hand.

KJ Motorsports Update #11 Race #15 & #16

KJ Motorsports Update #11Race #15 & #16

05/18/14

Friday we went to Legendary Hilltop Speedway, where Mother Nature won out. But Skyline Speedway waited out the rain and was able to race. They had 21 modifieds and when we went to hot lap/qualify we found out that we still had our engine miss, but we set 4th fastest time. This started us on the front row of heat one beside fast time setter Jess Hartman. We went on the get the heat win to start us on the pole of the feature beside KC Burdette, driving Jimmy Fordyce’s car. KC shot to the early lead and we ran 2nd, still fighting the engine miss. But once we got in lap traffic, we were actually within striking distance, but unable to make a pass, so we got 2nd.

Saturday we made more changes to try and get rid of the miss and we headed to Atomic Speedway. There were 22 mods on hand and although I had fired myself from drawing pills, I somehow found myself drawing my pill. I proved why I should be fired, by drawing #40. This started us 6th in heat #2 and we still had the miss. But we managed to get a 2nd place finish behind Fireball Pinkerton. They did a pill redraw for the feature and luck was on our side and we drew pill #2 to start us on the outside pole of the feature. We took the early lead and held off challenges from KC Burdette until he spun on lap 6. Even with the engine miss, the car was driving extremely well. There was a caution with just a few laps to go and KC had managed to work his way back up to 2nd and was applying pressure but we held on to get win #7 for the year. I believe we also found our miss and it is in our valve train. So we will be pulling the engine out this week and preparing to get ready for next weekend.

This week we plan to go to Legendary Hilltop Speedway on Friday and Saturday and Sunday we will be at Tyler County Speedway for the Let It Ride 55. We are also being honored and inducted to the Hall Of Fame for Eastern Modifieds. Hope to see you all there!

I want to give a shout out this week to Dirt Racing Wrap-Up where we were guest on their radio show Sunday night. Bill Sigmon and Downtown Randy Brown keep everyone up to date with the latest news on racing in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DirtRacingWrapUp

Remember, to make this work, support those that support us! K-Graphics, Hall’s Auto Repair, Schilling Truss, JS Enterprises, Zemba Bros., Coughlincars.com, Steve Balderson Construction, Sheet Metal Local 33, Octane Race Products, Poske’s Performance Parts, Out-Pace Race Products, Racers Edge Supplements, Hypercoils, Tom & Pam Lemon, Carr Auto Glass, OVDTR.com, Billy Joe & Wanda Hammett, Bill & Patty Welch (RIP), Keyser Mfg., Shaw Race Cars, TSM Enhanced, Bazell Race Fuels, Hoosier, Aero Wheels, Wrisco Aluminum, Lubeck Community Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh, Willy’s Carburetor’s, KSE Pumps, KRC.

KJ Motorsports Update #10 Race #13 & #14

KJ Motorsports Update #10 Race #13 & #14

05/11/14

We kicked off our weekend on Thursday night at Atomic Speedway. They had 31 cars and we drew pill #22 to start us 4th in the 2nd heat. Roy Roush took the early lead and we were able to make another last lap pass to get the heat win. This started us on the outside pole of the feature and we went on to get win #6. But I had an engine problem the entire feature. Unsure what the problem is, so I just have to start replacing parts.

Friday we went back to Atomic, but in the end, got rained out and it was too late to try and go somewhere else. We stayed all night with Sean Schobelock and sure do appreciate the hospitality that he and Stacy provided.

Saturday we went to Roosters to eat and then to the track in hopes of racing. But Mother Nature had other plans and they cancelled just early enough for us to make it to Skyline. Rain was horrible traveling to Skyline. It was raining when we got there and we waited it out and sure enough Jerry Perine and crew got the track ready to race. We went out to qualify and the engine problem was still there, so I pulled off. We changed out more parts and went out for the heat race. Started on the tail in 7th and passed to a 4th place finish, but still yet had the same problem. Changed out more things and was able to go out and make one lap and still wasn’t fixed. Made one more part change out, started 11th in the feature and came to 6th before getting a left rear flat tire. But more aggravating was the fact that we still have a problem and it only shows up when we are full throttle under a load. So we have more things to change out this week and hope we can have it resolved by Friday.

This week we plan to go to Legendary Hilltop Speedway on Friday and back to Atomic Speedway on Saturday. Hope to see you all there!

I want to give a shout out this week to Octane Race Products. They offer a full line of racing products based out of Poske’s Performance Parts. You can go online to www.octaneraceproducts.com or call 1-800-430-RACE and speak to Todd, Bryan, Al or Jordan and they can fix you up with quality parts and a great price! Let them know you heard about them from me!

The artwork for T-shirts, by Phantom Race Gear, is now complete and if you want to be assured of getting your size, e-mail me at iamracing@yahoo.com with your quantity and sizes. I’m placing the order for sizes and quantity this week.

Thanks for your support! Remember, to make this work, support those that support us! K-Graphics, Hall’s Auto Repair, Schilling Truss, JS Enterprises, Zemba Bros., Coughlincars.com, Steve Balderson Construction, Sheet Metal Local 33, Octane Race Products, Poske’s Performance Parts, Out-Pace Race Products, Racers Edge Supplements, Hypercoils, Tom & Pam Lemon, Carr Auto Glass, OVDTR.com, Billy Joe & Wanda Hammett, Bill & Patty Welch (RIP), Keyser Mfg., Shaw Race Cars, TSM Enhanced, Bazell Race Fuels, Hoosier, Aero Wheels, Wrisco Aluminum, Lubeck Community Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh, Willy’s Carburetor’s, KSE Pumps, KRC.

KJ 
www.kjmotorsports.net

KJ Motorsports Update #9 Race #11 & #12

KJ MotorsportsUpdate #9 Race #11 & #12

05/04/14

Friday we went back to Legendary Hilltop Speedway where they had 17 modifieds and we qualified 2nd fast time behind Robbie Evans. That started us on the pole of heat #2 beside Tanner Wilson. We were able to get the heat race win to start us on the outside pole of the feature beside Cody Parker. We beat Cody into turn 1 and went on to get win #4 of the year. Mark Houser and Dad was there to partake in the nights racing.

Saturday, we went back to Atomic Speedway for the Modified Mayhem paying $1,500 to win. We set 2nd fast time to Travis Dickson. They inverted 4 in each heat, so we started 4th in heat #2, moved into 2nd off of turn 2 and shot to the bottom of 3 to pass Mark Dickson for the lead. But Mark got a good run off of 4 and drove back by me going down the front chute. I chose to run it on in on the high side but had gotten into Mark’s right rear with my left front, which took me off the race track in turns one and two. I went to the tail and was surprisingly able to come back and get the win. This put us on the outside pole of the feature beside Dave McWilliams. Dave tried to beat us into turn one, but I kept the hammer down and drove it in just a tad deeper than he did to give us the momentum we needed to take the lead. We went on to get win #5 and the $1,500 paycheck! That capped off a good weekend!

This weekend we plan to go back to Atomic Speedway for 3 nights of racing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Thursday will be Modifieds, Street Stocks & Sport Mods, with Late Models practicing. Friday is $5,000 to win Late Models with Modifieds and Street Stocks. Saturday is $15,000 to win Late Models and Modifieds and Street Stocks. Hope to see you all there!

I want to give a shout out this week to Racers Edge Supplements. Steve Leist has a product out that is geared towards the weekend warrior. These provide a person essential vitamins and minerals needed to remain healthy and active! Go to www.racersedgesupplements.com for more information and let them know you saw them on our car!

As a reminder, I have placed an order for T-shirts ($20) and they are working on the artwork. If you want to be assured of getting your size, e-mail me at iamracing@yahoo.com with your quantity and sizes. I’ll be sharing the artwork, once it is finalized. Artwork may be completed this week. Thanks for your support!

Remember, to make this work, support those that support us! K-Graphics, Hall’s Auto Repair, Schilling Truss, JS Enterprises, Zemba Bros., Coughlincars.com, Steve Balderson Construction, Sheet Metal Local 33, Casey’s Landscaping, LLC, Octane Race Products, Poske’s Performance Parts, Out-Pace Race Products, Racers Edge Supplements, Hypercoils, Tom & Pam Lemon, Carr Auto Glass, OVDTR.com, Billy Joe & Wanda Hammett, Bill & Patty Welch (RIP), Keyser Mfg., Shaw Race Cars, TSM Enhanced, Bazell Race Fuels, Hoosier, Aero Wheels, Wrisco Aluminum, Lubeck Community Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh, Willy’s Carburetor’s, KSE Pumps, KRC.

KJ 
www.kjmotorsports.net