SPARTA, Kentucky -- In his debut, Kevin Hamlin charged onto the ARCA Re/Max Series scene on Sunday at Kentucky Speedway with a top five finish in a Ken Schrader Racing Dodge. It was a weekend of firsts for Hamlin, as it was not only his first ARCA race, but also first in a steel bodied car on radials, and his first on a track over one mile in length.
With no previous seat time, Hamlin started off the weekend right by being third quick in the opening practice session with a lap around the 1.5 mile speedway at 166.831 mph. After Saturday was rained out, Hamlin backed up his performance in practice with a qualifying run at 168.966 mph on Sunday morning. The lap put his Dodge Intrepid outside of series rookie Chad McCumbee on the third row.
After avoiding a first lap spin by front row starter Stuart Kirby, Hamlin was able to run in the top ten for most of the race. And he was able to fend off a last lap charge by Marc Mitchell to finish fifth.
"We had a great weekend,? said Hamlin. ?We were a little tight, but this is a new car for Ken Schrader Racing and we weren't really sure about it's characteristics. We'll be real good for Michigan."
Kentucky was the first of three races that Hamlin will run in the Schrader Dodge, and it proved to be very beneficial.
"We accomplished our goal of learning, running in the top 5 and keeping the car in one piece. I'm very fortunate to work with the KSR guys. They're an awesome bunch and I can't wait until June 17th for Michigan,? said Hamlin.
Kevin and the #99 Schrader Dodge will be back on track June 17th at Michigan Speedway. Fans can follow all the action at Michigan on Speed Channel and at Kevinhamlin.com.
