WINSTON, Mo. -- As the 2013 racing season draws near at I-35 Speedway anticipation and expectations are high. Last season’s Grand National Class witnessed 14-year-old sensation “Awesome” Austin Johnson win 9 heat races, 3 features, and Rookie of the Year. With the bar set high for the 2013 racing season, enter younger brother Houston “Moose” Johnson to the Grand National Class. Houston has been watching, waiting, and dreaming of his opportunity to pilot the #97 hot rod. Sporting a Shocker Chassis, the “Moose is Loose” for 2013 under the guidance of 2012 Champ, Bud Wilson. Houston’s driving skills come from his father, Mike, and brother, Austin, which means he knows one speed, foot to the floor wide open. Watching these brothers battle one another and challenge veterans for the track championship hopes to be only one of the many things to make the Grand National Class exciting this racing season. Add to this mix 17-year-old Chris Kline from Kearney, Missouri driving rocket #99 and hungry for a win. Boosting over thirteen top 10 finishes in 2012 Chris is another of the young guns that can make a run for the championship in 2013.
Will Bud Wilson rule with another championship in 2013 or will youth prevail? Will veterans rise to the top and educate the youth making the statement that they are not ready to “pass the torch” at this time? One way to find answers to these questions, join us weekly at I-35 Speedway for racing action like no other.

2013 will also feature 14-year-old second generation driver Bryce Whitney from Trenton, Missouri to the Hobby Stock Class. The son of racer Brad Whitney, Bryce will take over the driving duties from sister and longtime racer Alexis Whitney, in the ever so familiar X9.

When father Brad was asked about Bryce and the 2013 season he answered; “it should be interesting”. While Alexis is attending Northwest Missouri State University with a busy workload, it opened the driver’s seat for Bryce to hone his driving skills. With Bryce at the wheel expectations are high to see the X9 continue at the front of the field in the 2013 Hobby Stock Class.

These are just four of the young drivers attempting to leave their mark on the racing scene at I-35 this season. Many new drivers will enter and challenge the veterans, so come, enjoy, and cheer on your favorite racer. We look forward to seeing all our fans at I-35 Speedway, “Dirt Trackin at its Best”. Be sure to come check out our practice session on Saturday, March 23, beginning at 2:00 pm. The U.S. Modified Touring Series (USMTS) rolls into I-35 Speedway on Saturday, March 30, to get the 2013 racing season started.