PETERSEN MEDIA
– Bud Kaeding had planned to run three non wing races over this past weekend in the mid-west, but mother nature cancelled Friday night’s showing, and Kaeding went on to post a 12th place finish at Eldora before taking second in a thriller at the Terre Haute Action Track.
Saturday night saw the third generation driver check in for USAC National Sprint Car action at the high-banked, Eldora Speedway, and with 29 cars checked in, Kaeding timed his BK Motorsports/Alviso Rock/K&N backed entry in 15th quick.
“We missed it a little bit qualifying, but our qualifying effort could have been a lot worse,” said Kaeding.
Getting through his heat race with a second place finish, Kaeding found himself lined up near the back of the pack for the 30-lap ‘Boarder Wars’ feature event.
Kaeding road the high banked track next to the wall like much of the other competitors, but he simply wasn’t able to move forward, and salvaged a 12th place finish.
“It’s tough starting in the back and trying to make up a ton of ground,” said Kaeding. “We would get going, and gain some spots, but felt like we would trade off positions lap after lap.”
Sunday afternoon saw Kaeding and his team travel to the Terre Haute Action Track, in what fans would ultimately treat fans to a hair-raising feature.
The event known as the ‘Spring Fling’ was a co-sanctioned event between the MSCS and the KISS.
During his heat, the Campbell, CA driver picked up a second place finish from his third starting spot, and then pulled the two-pill for the feature putting him on the front row.
Kaeding jumped to the early lead during the feature, as fans were treated to the leaders exchanging slide-jobs on the very racy surface.
As Kaeding continue to hold the point and dive through traffic, he was then hooked up in an exciting battle with Robert Ballou.
With five markers to go, Kaeding slid up through the cushion and lost his momentum, and allowed Ballou by, who simultaneous brushed the wall.
Though he made a valiant effort, Kaeding came up just short of taking the checkers as he chased his fellow California native across the stripe.
“We were really good tonight,” said Kaeding. “For sure we had the car to win the race, but I messed up with about five to go, and Ballou got by, and I just couldn’t track him down.”
Kaeding would like to thank Kaeding Performance, Sprint Car Innovations, Alviso Rock, BZE, Factory Kahne Shocks, Racing Optics, K&N Filters, Yak Graphics, ButlerBuilt, and Brown and Miller for their continued support.
ON TAP: Saturday night, Bud will head to the Thunderbowl in Tulare, CA and take on the Rebel Cup 360 series.
STAY CONNECTED: Stay connected with Bud by visiting www.budkaedingracing.com, www.facebook.com/budkaedingracing or following @Bud_Kaeding on twitter.