BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Keith Kunz Motorsports has added Kale Drake to their lineup for the upcoming Chili Bowl Nationals.
Drake, the 18-year-old talent known for his incredible skill behind the wheel and unwavering dedication to the sport, is set to make his debut in the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals under the banner of Keith Kunz Motorsports, marking an important step in the young driver’s career and promises to create a dynamic duo that will captivate fans and competitors alike.
Team owner Keith Kunz expressed his enthusiasm about this new addition to the roster.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Kale Drake to our team for the 2024 Chili Bowl Nationals,” Kunz began. “I’ve had my eye on the kid for some time, his work ethic stands out for me personally, he maintains his own equipment and I think knowing how a car works and how to make it better are key ingredients in making a good race car driver.
“His craft is impressive, after his 15th-to-second run in the Giveback Classic at Port City (Okla.) Raceway, I just knew I had to figure out a way to give him a shot.”
Hailing from Collinsville, Okla., Drake has been making a name for himself in the racing world by cruising to a pair of victories this season in the JPU Racing No. 26 while capturing the POWRi Outlaw Micro League season championship. Placing runner-up in the notable Giveback Classic, Drake would raise attention throughout the end-of-the-season push while contending with top-tier talents.
“After Port City’s showing, I got together with several of my partners for the KKM Giveback Classic, and we were all in agreement that this would be a great opportunity for both parties,” Kunz said. “David Page with Page Construction, (PAGEKC.com) loved the idea as he has giveback promotions of his own in late model stock car divisions and came on board as the primary sponsor. Rush Race Gear, FloRacing, Eibach, MPI, and Engler Machine are helping in their own way to make this possible.
Prior to the Chili Bowl Nationals, Drake is set to take part in the Turkey Night Grand Prix to get accustomed to the team.
“Although Kale does have a handful of National midget starts under his belt, the whole team thought it would be in everyone’s best interest to get some laps in the car prior to practice night at the Chili Bowl Nationals,” Kunz said. “So, we’ll all head to Ventura, California on November 24-25 for the Turkey Night Grand Prix where he can get a practice night on Friday as well as the race night to get acquainted with the car and crew.”