Kennedy Sets Quick Time With Outlaws, Gears Up for Four-Race Weekend with NOSA
WINNIPEG, Manitoba (June 20, 2018) – Last Friday night was an evening to remember for Thomas Kennedy and the KennedyFloorings.com team. The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series made their first of two appearances to River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D.
Thirty-five cars were checked in for action at the three-tenths mile bullring. Thomas began the night by setting Quick Time during time trials with a lap of 10.367, averaging 104mph.
That lap put Thomas on the pole for heat race number one with nine-time and defending World of Outlaws champion, Donny Schatz, to his outside. Kennedy led Schatz into turn one on the opening lap and opened up a two car length lead. Schatz searched all over the racing surface, trying to find a way around Thomas, but the driver of the No. 21K ran a smooth, steady line around the top side of the speedway.
Schatz closed to within one car length of Thomas in the final laps, but Thomas was able to hold on to get the win.
Kennedy redrew the fifth position for the Sears Craftsman Dash. An eighth place finish in the Dash put Thomas on the outside of the fourth row for the 40-lap main event.
In a caution-plagued feature, Thomas came home in 15th.
On Saturday, Thomas made the trip to Devils Lake Speedway for the Buffalo Wild Wings NOSA Blazin’ Challenge Qualifier. However, the race was canceled due to rain.
This weekend, Thomas has a big four-race weekend with the NOSA Sprints lined up. On Thursday, things kick off at Norman County Raceway in Ada, Minn. Thomas has been close to picking up that first win at NCR over the last few years. Last season, he raced to a third place finish at the three-eighths mile dirt oval.
On Friday, the NOSA Sprints return to River Cities Speedway before heading to South Dakota for two events to wrap up the weekend. Saturday will bring the tour to Brown County Speedway in Aberdeen before they head to Casino Speedway in Watertown on Sunday.
In one appearance at Casino Speedway in 2017, Thomas finished second in his heat and second in the feature with the MSTS 360s.
Thomas and the entire team would like to welcome Big Trucks by Jimco onboard for the 2018 season. A big thanks goes out to all of their other sponsors, Kennedy Floorings, Buffalo Wild Wings, General Signs and Speedway Shots.
2018 Stats:
Races: 14
Wins: 3
Top Fives: 9
Top Tens: 10
