Thursday, April 6, 2017

Throwback Thursday: 2001 NASCAR Winston West Series Kansas 100



The 2001 NASCAR Winston West Series Kansas 100 was an historic event as it was the first-ever race on the then new 1.5-mile Kansas Speedway.

Jon Wood put his name in the record books as the track's first pole winner but it was Kevin Richards who led the first lap of the 100-lap race. Sadly for Richards, an engine issue knocked him out of contention only five laps into the race. ARCA star, Frank Kimmel took the lead for the next 15 circuits. Kimmel was racing in preparation of the following day's ARCA event. Kimmel would lead the majority of the race's laps with 29.

Oregon racer, Brandon Ash was strong in the middle portion of the event, leading 25 laps before falling out thanks to a vibration. Other drivers who held the lead included Jason Small who led eight circuits and Steve Portenga who led seven laps.

The 150-mile wound up coming down to the final handful of laps as Wood and Kimmel battled for the race lead. With two laps remaining, Kimmel was able to get by Wood for the lead. Kimmel held on to take the win followed by Wood, Andy Hillenburg, Brendan Gaughan and Sean Woodside. Mark Reed held on to the series point lead by 33 markers over Gaughan thanks to a sixth place finish.

The 2001 event would be the first of the series two visits to the speedway, the second coming the following season in 2002.

Kansas 100 full race results: http://www.racing-reference.info/race/2001_Kansas_100/P