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April 17 & 18, 2006 Arizona ~After last minutes arrangements were made, Kyle got to
experience a full size midget first hand during a two day excursion to two Phoenix area
racetracks. Clarence Reddick, owner of the Bellville Nationals winning Spike/Esslinger car
driven by Jerry Coons Jr., towed to Phoenix on Sunday, April 16th to try out the midget
that was purchased in February.
Kyle
and Tyler each got about 40 laps apiece at a Monday private practice session at Canyon
Raceway in the Phoenix suburb of Peoria. The boys, tutored by Eldora 4-Crown Nationals
champion Danny Stratton www.dannystratton.com,
were able to get up to speed very quickly. By the end of the day Stratton deemed the
pair more than capable of handling themselves in a midget.
After the successful completion of the test session the car was readied for the Tuesday
night practice at legendary Manzanita Speedway, where Kyle was to be observed by Arizona Midget Racing Association (AMRA)
officials. The purpose of the observation was so that Kyle, because of his age, could
display his abilities in front of the AMRA before being allowed to race with the group.
Kyle passed with flying colors as he was up to speed immediately in the first session. At
the end of the stint several onlookers came by to express their amazement and approval.
After an even faster session for Kyle, track officials allowed Tyler to take to the track
for one set of laps at speed. It appeared several questioned his ability before pulling
onto the track but Tyler was able to quickly quiet his skeptics as he was also immediately
wowing those in attendance. By the end of the night many had come by to express their
amazement to the youngsters at their age, size, abilities and car control. One even said,
“You guys don’t need that rookie flag, you’re as fast as any midget
here.”
We
would like to thank Danny Stratton for his time, patience and expertise in getting the
boys acclimated to the car and up to speed so quickly.
We also want to express our sincere gratitude to Broken Bow Records for providing Kyle
with this special opportunity. Without their support it would not have been possible for
Kyle to show his abilities in a full size race car. Thank you again for your belief in
Kyle.
