PETERSEN MEDIA
– As his month long trip to Australia came to a close on Saturday night, Kyle Hirst made it memorable by scoring a fourth place finish in the George Tatnell Cup at Speedway City on Saturday night.
“Overall it was a great trip for me personally and racing wise, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunities I had to compete during the winter,” Hirst said.
Climbing back in the Ruhs Family No.99 for his final outing, the American pilot began his night by timing in fifth fastest against the star studded WSS field.
Heat race action saw KH score seventh and fifth place finishes on the very hooked up track, which qualified him for the pole shootout, where he again scored a fifth place finish.
Lining up for the feature in the fifth row, Hirst quickly shot up to the fourth spot as he battled with Robbie Farr and Brad Keller.
After shaking Keller, Hirst was able to focus on Farr, as the duo battled tooth and nail for the third spot.
Swapping the spot several times throughout the event, Farr would ultimately keep the spot, as Hirst kept him in striking distance as he worked the cushion at Speedway City.
Late in the feature, Hirst felt pressure for the fourth spot from fellow American, Shane Stewart, but KH kept him at bay and scored a fourth place finish during his final night of action in Australia.
“The Ruhs brothers gave me a great car on Saturday, and I’m happy to leave here with such a great finish,” he said. “I’m bummed we couldn’t get a win while we were down here, but hopefully I can get back with them and try again,” he said.
2013 BY THE NUMBERS- Starts-12, Wins-0, Top 5’s-3, Top 10’s-8.
ON TAP: Kyle will now return to the US and prepare for his upcoming season. Hirst hopes to be in action in March when the World of Outlaws head west, but will release his schedule soon.