|
Kinsers Keepin' it in the Family at Elma
Monday, 1 September 2008 - Elma, WA
Steve Kinser concluded the Labor Day Holiday week-end with a third place finish when the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws visited Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, WA on Monday night. The Outlaws had raced the two nights prior just further north, in Burlington, WA, at Skagit Speedway. Kinser ran 12th on Saturday night, but redeemed himself with a third place finish on Sunday. Kinser’s goal at Grays Harbor was to take home his seventh win of the season. After the conclusion of the 30 lap A-Feature event, Kinser was two positions short of the win, but still was able to enjoy a victory celebration. His son, Kraig, collected his first win of the season.
Steve knew that tires were going to be an important factor in the race. The team's tire selection came down to the last second, when they put on their softest choice. After the race, Kinser knew he needed a harder tire. He had to worry about conserving the tire, and wasn’t able to race as hard as he wanted to. Even with a harder tire, it was going to be a hard race to win. Washington driver, Jayme Barnes, took the initial lead and although Kraig made several attempts throughout the early stages of the race, he was never able to pass Barnes until lap 24. With little tire left, Kinser put some pressure on Barnes for second, but knew he wouldn’t be able to challenge him for the runner-up position.
“The track was hard to pass on it, so we knew was going to be a tough race,” said Kinser. “I probably needed a harder tire so I could race the car a little bit. I had to nurse the tire I was running.”
Third was not where Kinser wanted to be running, but fortunately, he was in perfect position to watch Kraig take the lead, as well as the checkered. Steve was a proud father, and grandfather, as he made his way to the front-stretch where Kraig celebrated his win alongside his wife and seven-month old baby, Kash Nelson.
“I had the best seat tonight,” said Kinser. “They put on a good race there in front of me. I would have liked to have been a part of it, but Kraig ran good and I’m more than happy about that.”
Kinser has very little time to celebrate; he has to refocus for the next race, which takes place just the following evening. Tuesday night’s Outlaw event is at Cottage Grove Raceway, located in Cottage Grove, OR. Kinser’s last Outlaw win at Cottage Grove Speedway was back in 2003 and Steve will be searching to update that record. Another record that Kinser will be trying to break this week, will be his chance at a fourteenth Gold Cup Race of Champions win. With one day off after Cottage Grove, the Outlaws invade Chico, CA for the 55th running of Gold Cup. Kinser is scheduled to the qualify on Thursday night, the first night of the three day event. Trackside results for Cottage Grove and all three nights of Gold Cup will be posted at www.stevekinser.com.
|
