KJ Motorsports Update #21 Race #37 & #38

8/17/15

Friday we went to Legendary Hilltop Speedway and set 2nd fast time to start us on the pole of the 2nd heat. We led every lap but the most important one and KC Burdette got us at the line. So we had to start 4th in the feature and pretty much rode around there in 4th all night and finished a distant 4th.
Saturday we went to I-77 Speedway for the Kenny Carr Memorial Race where they had 31 modifieds. We set 3rd fastest time and we also won the 3rd heat, to start us 3rd in the feature. We finished another 4th on the weekend. But I’ll have to say that I was still happy for Booger Garnes driving Nick Carr’s modified won the race. It was a moment that I just knew was meant to be and I’m glad I got to witness it. Congrats to that team on the win!

This weekend we will be at Atomic Speedway all weekend. Friday and Saturday is 2 complete shows for the World of Outlaw Late Models and our class and Sport Mods. I will also be there Sunday giving rides to those that signed up to ride in a 2 seater modified with me. I’m so looking forward to this. So we hope to see you all there!

This week’s recognition I want to give a shout out to Frankie Hall, who laid under my car most of the day Saturday in an effort to make some changes to improve the handling. When we get to I-77 it proved to be much better for me and Frankie played crew chief all night with Chad and Brian getting the car ready. It was nice not to have to think about what changes to make and just drive. So thank you very much Frankie!

Remember, to make this work, support those that support us!

K-Graphics, Hall’s Auto Repair, Schilling Truss, JS Enterprises, Weekley Electric, Bestway Equipment & Services, KBI Real Estate, Wash-N-Go, Speedee Wash, Zemba Bros., Coughlincars.com, Steve Balderson Construction, Sheet Metal Local 33, Octane Race Products, Poske’s Performance Parts, Hypercoils, Tom & Pam Lemon, Carr Auto Glass, BSB Mfg., Wilwood, Bilstein-XVS, OVDTR.com, Billy Joe & Wanda Hammett, Bill & Patty Welch (RIP), Shaw Race Cars, Lightning Chassis, TSM Enhanced, Bazell & Sunoco Race Fuels, ABCO, Hoosier, Aero Wheels, Wrisco Aluminum, Impact Race Gear, Billy Lloyd Racing Engines, Mullins Race Engines, Lubeck Community Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh, MSD Ignition, Quick Time Suspension, Willy’s Carburetor’s, KSE Pumps, KRC, AMRA, Gibby’s Dirt Track Racing Nation.

KJ Motorsports Update #20 Race #35 & #36

8/10/15

Friday we went to Legendary Hilltop Speedway for the 7th Annual Greg Schilling Memorial race. 48 cars showed up and a record setting crowd was on hand. Frankie set 24th fastest time and started 4th in heat #6. He went on to finish 2nd to start him 12th in the feature. But issues would hit him early, for something came up into his fan and took out his fan and radiator. We were able to set 6th fastest time to start us on the pole of heat #6 and we won the heat and that put us in the dash and started 3rd. I spun running 4th and we wound up finishing 6th. We started 6th in the feature and it wasn’t long and I realized something was wrong with the car. We broke a pull bar and I was just riding it out til the end. We wound up finishing in 7th place, but there were 2 cars disqualified and that gave us a 5th place finish. Congrats to Corey Conley, driving for Jr. Nolan on the win! Thanks to Legendary Hilltop Speedway and all of the sponsors that helped to make this race a success.
Saturday we loaded up and headed to run the topless race at Ohio Valley Speedway. Frankie set 3rd fastest time and they inverted 4, so he started 4th. He spun on the first lap, but brought it back to a 2nd place finish to start him 6th in the feature. But engine troubles would scratch him from the feature. Frankie has just had no luck this year thus far. We set 5th fastest time and we started 3rd in the heat and finished 2nd to Jesse Wisecarver to start us 5th in the feature. I spun on the first lap in turn 3 in front of the field and got clobbered. Not only did I tear our stuff up, I tore up others as well. Surprisingly though, although we had some suspension damage, our car was still able to continue. We charged from the tail to 3rd and was racing KC Burdette and Jason Brookover but near the end of the race I pulled off with engine troubles. Fortunately we found the engine trouble to be minimal. #6 spark plug wire had fallen off. Can’t remember that ever happening before, but it’s unfortunate but also lucky that is all it is.

At this point and time, I really have no clue what our plans are for this weekend. But where ever it is, we hope to see you all there!

This week’s recognition I want to give a shout out to Frankie Hall, Brian Dennewitz, Tim Cooper, Chand Nelson, Kendall Hodge and Bob Booth for all the hard work they did on Saturday when I was working the Greg Schilling golf outing. These guys had a busy day and without them, I wouldn’t have been able to race. I’m extremely lucky to have the help and dedicated crew and friends that I have. So thank you very much!

Remember, to make this work, support those that support us!

K-Graphics, Hall’s Auto Repair, Schilling Truss, JS Enterprises, Weekley Electric, Bestway Equipment & Services, KBI Real Estate, Wash-N-Go, Speedee Wash, Zemba Bros., Coughlincars.com, Steve Balderson Construction, Sheet Metal Local 33, Octane Race Products, Poske’s Performance Parts, Hypercoils, Tom & Pam Lemon, Carr Auto Glass, BSB Mfg., Wilwood, Bilstein-XVS, OVDTR.com, Billy Joe & Wanda Hammett, Bill & Patty Welch (RIP), Shaw Race Cars, Lightning Chassis, TSM Enhanced, Bazell & Sunoco Race Fuels, ABCO, Hoosier, Aero Wheels, Wrisco Aluminum, Impact Race Gear, Billy Lloyd Racing Engines, Mullins Race Engines, Lubeck Community Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh, MSD Ignition, Quick Time Suspension, Willy’s Carburetor’s, KSE Pumps, KRC, AMRA, Gibby’s Dirt Track Racing Nation.

Kenny Johnson Motorsports

KJ Motorsports Update #18 Race #31 & #32

7/27/15

Friday we went to Legendary Hilltop Speedway and Frankie was back out in his new car. He was 8th fastest in qualifying and started 3rd in his heat and finished 4th. He started 12th in the feature and I believe he finished 11th. We were 7th fastest and started 3rd in our heat behind fast qualifier Darrin McDonald and outside of him was Jason Brookover. We finished 3rd and both of them were side by side and all we could do is follow. We started 7th in the feature and fell to 8th on the start, but slowly picked our way up to 3rd and desperately needed a caution, for the car was coming on real good. But when you want one, there won’t be one and we finished a respectable 3rd.

Saturday we went back to Muskingum for a rain out race and to run Mr. Jarrett’s street stock for $1,000 to win. Mr. Jarrett drew us a #19 pill to start us on the outside pole of heat #1. But in hot laps, the power steering pump crapped itself. So they ran the line out and right back in the steering box to bypass the pump. I went out and it was too difficult to drive, so I pulled off. The plan in the feature was to make a few laps and pull off. But before going out, Mr. Jarrett said if it looks like they’re dropping out, stay out and see what kind of finish we get. So I did as the boss said and stayed out there man handling it, which was easier in the feature with the dryer track conditions. In the end we got us a 10th place finish. . . He has a really good car and I really would have liked to have been able to race it to see what we could have done, but thanks to Mr. Jarrett for the opportunity. In our mod we were 10th fast and started 5th in the 2nd heat race. The top 3 finishers were doing a redraw for where we would start in the feature. We were able to make a last lap pass for 3rd. On the redraw, we got the last pill which of course was #6, to start us 6th in the feature. We fell to 8th, but as the race got going, we came to 4th and as long as I hit my marks, the car was good and making progress. We were working on making a pass for 3rd but the marks I spoke of, I totally missed in turn 3 and went off the track bringing out the caution and was sent to the tail. We brought it back to a 7th place finish. My screw up cost us a top 3 finish. . . .

Weekend plans are not confirmed as of yet, but I will post where will we be once we know what our plans are. So wherever that is, we hope to see you all there!

This week’s recognition I want to give a shout out to all of our fans. Even when we are not winning, we still get the support and shown appreciation for us being on the track. Although this has not been a stellar year thus far, the fans are still supporting us like we win every week. I sure do appreciate each and every one of the fans from the youngest to the oldest. THANK YOU!

Remember, to make this work, support those that support us!
K-Graphics, Hall’s Auto Repair, Schilling Truss, JS Enterprises, Weekley Electric, Bestway Equipment & Services, KBI Real Estate, Wash-N-Go, Speedee Wash, Zemba Bros., Coughlincars.com, Steve Balderson Construction, Sheet Metal Local 33, Octane Race Products, Poske’s Performance Parts, Hypercoils, Tom & Pam Lemon, Carr Auto Glass, BSB Mfg., Wilwood, Bilstein-XVS, OVDTR.com, Billy Joe & Wanda Hammett, Bill & Patty Welch (RIP), Shaw Race Cars, Lightning Chassis, TSM Enhanced, Bazell & Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier, Aero Wheels, Wrisco Aluminum, Impact Race Gear, Billy Lloyd Racing Engines, Mullins Race Engines, Lubeck Community Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh, MSD Ignition, Quick Time Suspension, Willy’s Carburetor’s, KSE Pumps, KRC, AMRA, Gibby’s Dirt Track Racing Nation.

KJ Motorsports Update #17 Race #27, #28, #29 & #30

7/22/15

First off I want to apologize for getting behind on my updates. I’ve just been busy and don’t really have much more of an excuse. But on July 10th and 11th we went to Tyler County Speedway for the Renegade of Dirt Mega 100 that was paying $12,000 to win, $1,200 just to start. 66 cars signed in and this race format was different than any other we have done in our area. It was based on passing points and what position we finished in. To get right to the race results, we ran 2 heat races. The first heat we started outside pole and won. The 2nd heat race we started 7th and finished 3rd. These finished placed us 11th in points overall, in which the top 12 was locked into the feature. I was very pleased with our effort with the caliber of cars that were there. But when the 100 lap feature came, we did not make many laps before we had an engine expire. This was Frankie’s Mullin’s engine, so we will be sending it back to get repaired.

Our next race was a rain out race on Thursday, July 16th at Legendary Hilltop Speedway where they had 35 cars. They did group qualifying and we were 2nd fastest in our group behind Jesse Wisecarver. We raced Jesse door to door for 2 laps before a caution came out and Jesse had us at the line. He went on to win and we got 2nd to start us 5th in the feature. We fell back to 8th or so, but fought our way back to a 4th place finish, but not without extensive body damage from a first lap wreck.

Friday, July 17th Coop, Frankie and Brandon Francis spent the day in the garage making repairs to get the car ready to race. We went to Skyline Speedway and we were 5th fastest and started 3rd in the first heat and finished 3rd. Started 5th in the feature and went to the high side and came to a 2nd place finish behind John Burdette. Went the right direction, just not far enough. . .
Saturday, July 18th we went to Ohio Valley Speedway only to get rained out. So we headed on down to I-77 Speedway and somehow Mother Nature went around the track and we were able to race. When we qualified, I went to the high side and it was hammer down on the top and I was turning some good laps. . .or so I thought. . . We were 12th fastest. . . Started 4th in the 3rd heat and moved into 2nd behind Jason Brookover, who wound up dropping out and we went on to get the win and this started us 3rd in the feature. I should make mention the track was pretty rough and that winds up being a factor in the results. We maintained 3rd for several laps, but hit the highside and took the lead. I was trying to hit my marks and avoid the holes and ruts, but I totally could not avoid it in turn 3 and the entire car bounced in the air 3 times and I lost the lead to Kyle Bond in which he went on to win and Booger Garnes in Nick Carr’s car got 2nd and we finished 3rd.
This weekend we will be at Legendary Hilltop Speedway on Friday and Saturday we will be going back up to Muskingum County Speedway where we will also be driving Mr. Jarrett’s #15 street stock for $1,000 to win. So we hope to see you all there!

This week’s recognition, I want to give a shout out Mark Luning. Mark successfully had a cancerous tumor in his esophagus removed and was released from the hospital last Thursday. Many prayers were answered and Mark felt well enough that he and his son Shane showed up to the races on Thursday night!

On a sadder note, my engine builder, Billy Lloyd, lost his wife Sharon on July 11th. Gene Casto lost his mother Pearl Casto on Friday July 17th and just this past Monday, Jeff Burdette lost his dad, Archie Burdette. Please provide continued prayers for all of these families during this time of loss.
Remember, to make this work, support those that support us!

K-Graphics, Hall’s Auto Repair, Schilling Truss, JS Enterprises, Weekley Electric, Bestway Equipment & Services, KBI Real Estate, Wash-N-Go, Speedee Wash, Zemba Bros., Coughlincars.com, Steve Balderson Construction, Sheet Metal Local 33, Octane Race Products, Poske’s Performance Parts, Hypercoils, Tom & Pam Lemon, Carr Auto Glass, BSB Mfg., Wilwood, Bilstein-XVS, OVDTR.com, Billy Joe & Wanda Hammett, Bill & Patty Welch (RIP), Shaw Race Cars, Lightning Chassis, TSM Enhanced, Bazell & Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier, Aero Wheels, Wrisco Aluminum, Impact Race Gear, Billy Lloyd Racing Engines, Mullins Race Engines, Lubeck Community Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh, MSD Ignition, Quick Time Suspension, Willy’s Carburetor’s, KSE Pumps, KRC, AMRA, Gibby’s Dirt Track Racing Nation.

KJ Motorsports Update #16 Race #24, #25 & #26

7/7/15

Our weekend started off with a Thursday night race at Tyler County Speedway where they had over 30 mods. Qualifying times were rather close, for 4th fastest time was a 14.3-- and 7th fastest time was a 14.4-- and we were 15th fastest with a 14.5--. That put us starting 3rd in our heat race and we finished 3rd to start us 15th in the feature. We made a couple of small changes and was able to advance to a 6th place finish. Car was moving along pretty good, although 6th doesn’t sound so great, it was going the right direction.

Friday, Coop and I headed to Atomic Speedway for Fan Appreciation night, only to have Mother Nature not be so nice. We got rained out and called back to Legendary Hilltop Speedway, where they had avoided most of the storms. They were running a tad late, so we headed back and got there in time to tack the tail of the 3rd heat. Started 6th and made our way to work on Andy Bond for 3rd, but he and I got together and I spun and went to the tail. We were able to come out with a 4th place finish to start us 12th in the feature. We came up to a 5th place finish. Again, not a great finish, but with where we started, the car was going the right direction.

Saturday we went to Ohio Valley & Frankie debuted his new Shaw car and set 5th fastest time, but during that qualifying run he broke a transmission and that ended his night. We qualified 4th fastest and they inverted the top 4 in each heat race, but we broke an idler arm, which forced us to start 8th in the consi. We won the consi and started 14th in the feature. The car was just a tad tight on entry in traffic and we only made it to a 9th place finish. The car was faster than our finished position, but passing is sometimes easier said than done.

This weekend you will find us at Tyler County Speedway for a Renegades of Dirt Mega 100. This will be a different kind of race in many ways. For there will be 2 heat races and we will get passing points. Based on those points will determine our starting position in either the consi or the feature. The other unique thing is the feature will be starting 3 wide. Now this will make things really interesting and being it is a 100 lap feature, let’s hope racers don’t try and win it on the 1st lap. But come on up and check it out, for their will be a lot of laps logged in over the 2 day weekend.

This week’s recognition, I want to give a shout out toOVDTR.com. Kyle, JT and Lee and the rest of the team at OVDTR brings the racing to the web for those that couldn’t make it. It also provides an opportunity for guys like me that don’t get to see all the racing and it allows me to critique myself and watch all the stupid moves that I do sometimes. A great bunch of guys and be sure to go to their web page or find them on Facebook and give them a like!

Remember, to make this work, support those that support us!
K-Graphics, Hall’s Auto Repair, Schilling Truss, JS Enterprises, Weekley Electric, Bestway Equipment & Services, KBI Real Estate, Wash-N-Go, Speedee Wash, Zemba Bros., Coughlincars.com, Steve Balderson Construction, Sheet Metal Local 33, Octane Race Products, Poske’s Performance Parts, Hypercoils, Tom & Pam Lemon, Carr Auto Glass, BSB Mfg., Wilwood, Bilstein-XVS, OVDTR.com, Billy Joe & Wanda Hammett, Bill & Patty Welch (RIP), Shaw Race Cars, Lightning Chassis, TSM Enhanced, Bazell & Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier, Aero Wheels, Wrisco Aluminum, Impact Race Gear, Billy Lloyd Racing Engines, Mullins Race Engines, Lubeck Community Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh, MSD Ignition, Quick Time Suspension, Willy’s Carburetor’s, KSE Pumps, KRC, AMRA, Gibby’s Dirt Track Racing Nation.

KJ Motorsports Update #15 Race #23

6/30/15

We need more rain! NOT!!! Wow, this weather sure has played havoc with us trying to do some racing. We have done some road trips over the past 2 weekends, but only got to race once and that was at Skyline Speedway this past Sunday night. Freddy Carpenter and team opened the track up and by the car count; you could certainly tell guys were itching to race. They had 43 mods and we were 3rd quick. Started on the pole of the 3rd heat beside Roy Roush and we got the win to start us 3rd in the feature, with Kevin Morehouse and Travis Dickson on the front row and Tommy Powell beside us. We went 20 laps, green to checkered and we finished 3rd. All in all I was pleased with our performance and feel we can improve the car at Skyline for our next trip there.

Just a little bit of news update. Frankie has his current Shaw car up for sale for $10,000 minus engine and transmission. Give us a shout if you have interest and we’ll help with set up in anyway we can. Frankie will be bringing out his brand new Shaw in the very near future. So stay tuned!

This weekend is a 3 day race weekend and we plan to be at Tyler County Speedway on Thursday night, then to Atomic Speedway on Friday night and on Saturday we plan to be at Ohio Valley Speedway. So we hope to see you all there!

This week’s recognition, I want to give a shout out to Octane Race Products and Poske’s Performance Parts and all of the guys and gals that work out there. There isn’t anything you can’t find out there that is for a racecar and Octane Race Products is designed to provide quality product and an affordable costs compared to some brand name products. If you get a chance stop out and if you’re not needing parts, pick you up a t-shirt or hoodie and tell them we sent ya.

Remember, to make this work, support those that support us!
K-Graphics, Hall’s Auto Repair, Schilling Truss, JS Enterprises, Weekley Electric, Bestway Equipment & Services, KBI Real Estate, Wash-N-Go, Speedee Wash, Zemba Bros., Coughlincars.com, Steve Balderson Construction, Sheet Metal Local 33, Octane Race Products, Poske’s Performance Parts, Hypercoils, Tom & Pam Lemon, Carr Auto Glass, BSB Mfg., Wilwood, Bilstein-XVS, OVDTR.com, Billy Joe & Wanda Hammett, Bill & Patty Welch (RIP), Shaw Race Cars, Lightning Chassis, TSM Enhanced, Bazell & Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier, Aero Wheels, Wrisco Aluminum, Impact Race Gear, Billy Lloyd Racing Engines, Mullins Race Engines, Lubeck Community Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh, MSD Ignition, Quick Time Suspension, Willy’s Carburetor’s, KSE Pumps, KRC, AMRA, Gibby’s Dirt Track Racing Nation.

KJ Motorsports Update #13 Race #19 & #20

6/7/15

Friday we went to Legendary Hilltop Speedway for the Greg Schilling Memorial Qualifier race that was paying $999 to win. Frankie qualified 12th fastest and started 3rd in the 4th heat. He was running 3rd before losing the handle on the car. He opted to park it for the evening, rather than go out for the consi.

I qualified 4th fastest and started on the pole of the 4th heat, beside Larry Bond. We got the jump on Larry and went on to win the heat to start us 4th in the feature. I felt pretty good about being in the hunt for a win. I made a shock change and the car was just a little too tight. It would not rotate in the middle of the corner and when I would force it to turn, then it would be lose. I was running 5th and was getting pressured by Tanner Wilson. I felt like I had a right rear tire going down and I wound up pulling off. But. . . . no flat tire. So yet another DNF for the year.

But a highlight of my night, was that Jr. Nolan of Two Brothers Motorsports brought down his 2 seater modified and I got to give 3 people a ride. They all seemed excited afterwards. This was done to help promote the upcoming Greg Schilling Memorial race on June 26th at Legendary Hilltop Speedway. Jr. will again bring down the 2 seater and all the proceeds will go to the Greg Schilling Foundation.

Saturday we went to Muskingum County Speedway. We set 5th fastest time and started beside Nathon Loney. Nathon bonzied to the high side of one and I had to brake check, but that gave him the lead and we finished 2nd. But they redrew the top 2 and Coop got us a 3. We were running 3rd thru most of the race and around lap 20 our fan blade broke and then the water pump broke and then took out our radiator. So, another DNF. This has been a DNF filled season thus far. I want to give a shout out to and thank Brandon Francis for giving us a hand tonight!

I was also hired to drive Mr. Jarrett’s #15 street stock. I drew pill #66 and his daughter Lindsay said I was fired from drawing pills. (not my first time being fired) Started 6th in the heat and came to 3rd, but slipped up a bit and wound up finishing 4th. Started 8th in the feature and came to 3rd. But with 7 laps to go the left front ball joint broke and the tire laid in against the frame. It was a handful to handle, but we did manage to bring home a 4th place finish. I thought we were going to have a shot at the win before it was over with, but luck just wasn’t on my side. Thanks to Mr. Jarrett for asking me to drive!

This weekend we plan to be at Legendary Hilltop Speedway on Friday driving the 8H of Frankie Hall. Then on Saturday we will be at Atomic in our familiar 1J! So, we hope to see you all there!

This week’s recognition, I want to give a shout out to Steve Mollendick. Steve has been stopping by and picking dad up and getting him to the races. Steve is a good friend of dad’s and has been for many years now. But things wasn’t always so hunky dory with dad and Steve. Back in the day, Ohio Valley Speedway was called Smedley’s and Steve Mollendick was Smedley. Well, believe it or not, dad raised some cane back in his day and promoters just dreaded to hear from dad, cause he normally had a complaint of some sort. Well, when dad was mad, he didn’t care who you were, your’e going to hear about it. One night, he chewed on the entire Mollendick family. Needless to say, the next week a registered letter showed up in the mail that stated Gene Johnson was barred for life for Smedley’s Speedway. Not a week, not 2 weeks, but FOR LIFE. . . LOL I guess it’s a good thing for dad that it is no longer called Smedley’s. LOL But they have both buried the hatchet and are great friends. I know my mom is grateful to Steve for spending the time he does with dad. Thanks a lot Steve!!!!!!

Remember, to make this work, support those that support us!
K-Graphics, Hall’s Auto Repair, Schilling Truss, JS Enterprises, Weekley Electric, Bestway Equipment & Services, KBI Real Estate, Wash-N-Go, Speedee Wash, Zemba Bros., Coughlincars.com, Steve Balderson Construction, Sheet Metal Local 33, Octane Race Products, Poske’s Performance Parts, Hypercoils, Tom & Pam Lemon, Carr Auto Glass, BSB Mfg., Wilwood, Bilstein-XVS, OVDTR.com, Billy Joe & Wanda Hammett, Bill & Patty Welch (RIP), Shaw Race Cars, Lightning Chassis, TSM Enhanced, Bazell & Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier, Aero Wheels, Wrisco Aluminum, Impact Race Gear, Billy Lloyd Racing Engines, Mullins Race Engines, Lubeck Community Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh, MSD Ignition, Quick Time Suspension, Willy’s Carburetor’s, KSE Pumps, KRC, AMRA, Gibby’s Dirt Track Racing Nation.

KJ Motorsports Update #11 Race #14, #15 & #16

5/26/15

Frankie and Brian decided to head over to Jackson County Speedway on Friday night. He started out side pole of heat #2 and won the heat race. That started him outside pole of the feature. Track slickened up a bit and he ran 2nd for a good while until he slipped up in turn 2 and gave the bottom line up. He wound up with a 3rd place finish. He opted to take the rest of the weekend off.

Friday I went to Legendary Hilltop Speedway where we set 4th fastest time out of 27 cars. This started us on the pole of the 3rd heat beside Robbie Evans. We went on to get the heat win to start us 4th in the feature. We moved into 2nd fairly quick and was battling for the lead with Jesse Wisecarver. Unfortunately we made contact with Jesse off of turn 2 and our right front spindle broke, giving us another DNF for the year. The car was really good and we had a shot at a win.

Saturday we went to Tyler County Speedway for the kickoff of the Let It Ride 55 weekend. We qualified 4th in our group and they inverted the top 4 in each heat. That started us 3rd in the first heat race. We wound up finishing 3rd and that would start us 7th in the feature. We had to finish in the top 6 in order to be locked into the big show on Sunday. Well we just did finish 6th to put us in a dash on Sunday. Sunday we went back and they drew pills for the dash line up. I got the last pill and that started us 6th in the 2nd dash. We moved into 3rd right off the bat and finished 3rd to start us 6th in the big show. After a combination of some poor choices I made in driving and poor choices on set up changes, we finished 8th! Glad we were in the big show, I just wish we could have advanced, rather than went backwards.

We plan to be at Legendary Hilltop Speedway on Friday and then back to Atomic Speedway on Saturday. Anxious to get back and see our Highside Fans! So, we hope to see you all there!

This week’s recognition, I want to give a shout out to Tim Cooper and Chad Nelson for all the effort they give. They are at the shop and the tracks as much as they can and I couldn’t do it without them. But this weekend, I also got to give a shout out to Kendall Hodge, Jimmy Fordyce & Donnie Adams of Lightning Chassis. Kendall came out Saturday morning and helped me get the car back together and Jimmy and Donnie spent Sunday with me, going thru the car and getting it set up. It takes a lot of work to race and I have to give a lot of credit to a lot of people for helping me to what I love to do!

Remember, to make this work, support those that support us!
K-Graphics, Hall’s Auto Repair, Schilling Truss, JS Enterprises, Weekley Electric, Bestway Equipment & Services, KBI Real Estate, Wash-N-Go, Speedee Wash, Zemba Bros., Coughlincars.com, Steve Balderson Construction, Sheet Metal Local 33, Octane Race Products, Poske’s Performance Parts, Hypercoils, Tom & Pam Lemon, Carr Auto Glass, BSB Mfg., Wilwood, Bilstein-XVS, OVDTR.com, Billy Joe & Wanda Hammett, Bill & Patty Welch (RIP), Shaw Race Cars, Lightning Chassis, TSM Enhanced, Bazell & Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier, Aero Wheels, Wrisco Aluminum, Impact Race Gear, Billy Lloyd Racing Engines, Mullins Race Engines, Lubeck Community Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh, MSD Ignition, Quick Time Suspension, Willy’s Carburetor’s, KSE Pumps, KRC, AMRA, Gibby’s Dirt Track Racing Nation.

KJ Motorsports Update #7 Race #8

4/26/15

We went to Legendary Hilltop Speedway on Friday where they had 26 cars. Frankie set 7th fastest time to start him outside pole of the 3rd heat beside Larry Bond for the 2nd week in a row. Larry got the early lead and Frankie followed to a 2nd place finish. This started him 7th in the feature but he lost the handle off of turn 2 and was put to the tail. He wound up finishing 11th.
I set 8th fastest time and that started me on the outside pole of heat #4 beside Jason Brookover. I took the early lead on the high side and went on to pick up the win. This started us 4th in the feature and I made just two changes that I thought would help us keep up with the track. But when they threw the green and I entered turn 1, I knew the changes had a negative impact on the car. We fell back to a 6th place finish and hindsight, I believe if I had left the car alone, we would have been better off. But I will not be doing those to changes anymore at Legendary Hilltop.
Saturday, Mother Nature won and gave us a night off.
This week’s sponsor recognition, I want to give a shout out to Keith Emrick of K Graphics. Keith has been doing our cars since he purchased the business from Cooper Signs in 1999. Keith does all kinds of signs, from ball fields, to real estate, business vehicles, to store fronts, etc. Feel free to call on Keith at 304-428-2685 and let him quote you a price and tell him we sent ya!
This coming weekend we plan to be at Legendary Hilltop Speedway on Friday, back to Atomic Speedway on Saturday for the Dan Reno Memorial paying $2,222 to win. So, we hope to see you all there!

Remember, to make this work, support those that support us!
K-Graphics, Hall’s Auto Repair, Schilling Truss, JS Enterprises, Weekley Electric, Bestway Equipment & Services, KBI Real Estate, Wash-N-Go, Speedee Wash, Zemba Bros., Coughlincars.com, Steve Balderson Construction, Sheet Metal Local 33, Octane Race Products, Poske’s Performance Parts, Hypercoils, Tom & Pam Lemon, Carr Auto Glass, BSB Mfg., Wilwood, Bilstein-XVS, OVDTR.com, Billy Joe & Wanda Hammett, Bill & Patty Welch (RIP), Shaw Race Cars, Lightning Chassis, TSM Enhanced, Bazell & Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier, Aero Wheels, Wrisco Aluminum, Impact Race Gear, Billy Lloyd Racing Engines, Mullins Race Engines, Lubeck Community Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh, MSD Ignition, Quick Time Suspension, Willy’s Carburetor’s, KSE Pumps, KRC, AMRA, Gibby’s Dirt Track Racing Nation.

KJ Motorsports Update #25 Race #46 & #47

08/24/14

Friday we were at Legendary Hilltop Speedway and again set 4th fastest time to start us on the outside pole of heat #1 beside Jason Brookover. We got the heat win to start us on the pole of the feature. Robbie Evans took the early lead and we ran 2nd for a while, until on a restart, I opted to go high and Tyler Evans got under me. A little later on JP Roberts passed us to give us a 4th place finish. There was a couple of changes that may have bit us and another thing we didn’t change, that I wish we would have. But we can always make better decisions after the fact. . . . LOL

Saturday we went to Atomic Speedway, where we set fast time, started on the pole of heat #1 and won it, then started on the pole of the feature alongside Fireball Pinkerton. Fireball got the early lead and the preferred line. We followed closely making runs at him, but never able to make a pass. The track has some rough spots in it and we managed through it most of the night. Until. . . . 5 laps to go on a restart I caught a rut in turn 3 and that started me barrel rolling and I cleared the yuke tires and got up into the catch fence and tore it down and landed on my roof. I was trapped and could not get out. I’ll be honest here. . . I have never been a afraid of racing or wrecking in any way shape or form. But when I was trapped upside down and fuel was pouring out, I had fear for the first time ever. I tried not to panic, but I was very anxious for them to get me rolled over so I could get out. As soon as the rescue guys got there, I shared my concern and they got fire extinguishers ready just in case. But in the end, I got out fine and the rescue guys were prepared and the EMT’s were willing to check me out, but of course I opted out of that. . . LOL! But again, as unfortunate as it is, it’s part of racing and we’ll assess where we are and will be back out soon. I plan to take this weekend (Labor Day Weekend) off and work on the car to get us ready to race on 9/5/14. Appreciate all of the text, phone calls and e-mails checking on me. The racing family is a strong family!

This week I want to give a shout out to the Greg Schilling Memorial Fund. This past Saturday was the Greg Schilling Memorial golf outing. It was a huge turn out and was a huge success at raising money. The Schilling Family has utilized this memorial fund to provide scholarships to both Fort Frye and Waterford high schools each year and have also handed out money to families in need. To date, they have handed out over $39,000. That is a huge tribute to Greg, whom I miss dearly! Love ya Brother!

This weekend we will be at the garage, busy, very busy. So we hope to see you there! LOL

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, Phantom Racing Gear, 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.

OVDTR — Covering Dirt Track Racing in Ohio & West VirginiaCovering Dirt Track Racing in Ohio & West Virginia

KJ Motorsports Update #17 Race #27, #28 & #29

KJ Motorsports Update #17 Race #27, #28 & #29

06/29/14

We started our week off early by going to Atomic Speedway on Wednesday night. They had their turn at hosting the sprint cars for Ohio Sprint Speedweek and they had 62 sprint cars and 27 modified’s. We started on pill draw and started 4th in the 2nd heat race. We raced KC Burdette for the heat race win. They pill drew the top 2 in each heat and chad drew us pill number 1! Now, to go back to the heat race, I did have oil pressure issues at the end of the heat. We changed oil pumps and changed the oil and filter and that appeared to fix the oil pressure. But on the first lap of the feature, #7 & #8 rod broke taking us out of the race. This will be no easy or cheap fix. But, I also know, we have been extremely lucky over the years and a failure like this happens to everyone. These engines are put to the test every time we’re out there. Or I know mine is. . . LOL

We put our spare engine in and went to Legendary Hilltop Speedway on Friday. We set 4th fastest time to start us on the outside pole of heat #2 and we went on to win the heat race. Then we started on the outside pole of the feature and were able to go on and get win #13 of the year. Car performed really well.

Saturday we headed to Skyline Speedway for the Greg Schilling Memorial. 28 cars on hand and we set 6th fastest time. We started outside pole of heat #2 beside Tanner Wilson. We got the heat race win and then went on to the dash where we finished 2nd to Corey Conley. This started us on the outside pole of the feature. Corey took the early lead and we ran 2nd for almost the entire race. At one point Roy Roush got a pass on us, but just as he did, he spun off of turn 2. We continued to run 2nd, but got some heavy pressure from Kyle Bond late in the race. As the laps wound down, we came up on lap traffic and on the last lap I forced it into turn 3 pretty hard to try and get into the turn before Kyle and not be pinned in by the lap car. But I got in too hard and lost the handle and essentially spun out. But Kyle did not panic and he came right on thru and his right side caught my left front and straightened me right out and we were able to go on and finish 3rd. First thing I did was thank Kyle for saving me! 

This week I want to give a shout out to the Schilling Family. What an amazing family and a great thing they have done to honor Greg Schilling by setting up a memorial fund to help others in need in the Beverly-Waterford area and also setting up scholarships at both high schools. Greg was a great friend who I miss terribly. He lost his life to cancer, but not without a fight. I feel like Greg is with me often, riding along cheering me on. I’m not a big fan of finishing 2nd, but I’d give anything to finish 2nd to Greg Schilling! Love ya buddy!

This week’s racing kicks off at Atomic Speedway on Thursday night. Friday we will be playing it by ear and Coop will be letting everyone know on Facebook where we plan to go. Saturday, we will be going to Ohio Valley Speedway. 

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, Phantom Racing Gear, 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.