MADISON, Ill. -- Third generation driver Ross Kenseth displayed his skills around the 1.25 mile Gateway International Raceway on Saturday during the ASA Late Model Series Challenge Division Gateway 100. Kenseth started from the pole after qualifying tenth thanks to the invert that shuffled the top ten drivers. Taking advantage of his front row starting spot, Kenseth remained a force at the front of the field all day. By the time the 100 mile race was over, Kenseth was satisfied with his fourth place effort.

The 16 year old driver battled with veterans such as Steve Carlson (eventual race winner) and Brian Campbell (ASALMS Challenge Division point leader), along with youngsters Dillon Oliver and Brandon Johnson throughout the entire 80 lap race at Gateway International Raceway. Young Kenseth was not at all rattled by racing side by side with other drivers as he averaged over 130 miles per hour each lap.

“Aero seemed to be really important here at Gateway,” stated Kenseth after the race. “We did not have one of the most aero friendly cars but we had a great effort.” Kenseth kept the nose of his Blain’s Farm and Fleet Ford Fusion clean all day and gained the respect of his fellow competitors in the ASA Late Model Series Challenge Division.

“Steve Carlson and Brian Campbell are good everywhere they go, but they put on a clinic those last 40 laps,” said Kenseth. “I think we could have gotten Willie Allen for third if we would have had a few more laps.”

Ross Kenseth will return to action with the ASA Late Model Series in November at Memphis Motorsports Park for The O’Reilly’s King’s Ransom 300 Presented by Suncoast Plastering. Steve Carlson is the defending race winner, and Kenseth would love to outrun the veteran Wisconsin native at Memphis. “It is a lot of fun to race with guys like Steve Carlson and Brian Campbell,” said Kenseth after his run at Gateway. “It is a lot more fun when you pass them though, because it is never fun when you get passed.”

To learn more about the ASA Late Model Series, ‘America’s Premier Short Track Series’, be sure to check out www.asalatemodels.com. To find out more information about Ross Kenseth visit www.rosskenseth.com. To learn more about Blain’s Farm and Fleet, log on to www.farmandfleet.com.
The ASA Late Model Series is its own entity and not affiliated in any way with ASA Racing, American Speed Association or the ASA Member Track Program. The ASA Late Model Series is owned and operated by Ron and Sandy Varney as it has been for the past six years and will be for years to come.