Keen Brothers US Bound
Keen brothers, Daniel and Michael, are deep in preparation as they get set to embark on their maiden racing campaign in the United States later this week, which will see them spend the next month honing their skills against some of the toughest 360 Sprintcar competition in the world.
Planning to contest around 10 shows at a number of different tracks throughout California, where they will go head to head with the best 360 Sprintcar racers that the West Coast has to offer, the Bunbury-based Keen brothers will then make the trip north-east to Iowa in August, where they will take part in the biggest 360 Sprintcar event in the country: the Knoxville Nationals.
“Being able to race in America is such a huge opportunity for us and there’s no doubt it’s going to make both Daniel and myself better drivers in the long run,” expressed Michael, who will pilot the USA # 5V car, owned by California residents Jim and Annette Vanlare, having been introduced to the Vanlares through Fresno, California-based racer Dominic Scelzi, after forming a relationship with him during his visit to Australia last season.
“The level of competition in America is extremely high, so it’s definitely going to be a challenge, but it’s one we’re really looking forward to and to be able to share this experience with my brother is an amazing feeling.
“I can’t thank Jim and Annette Vanlare enough for allowing me to race their car, along with my mum and dad, Heather and John, my grandparents, Paul and Kaye, and the rest of my family for helping to make this dream a reality.”
After forging an agreement with the Vanlares for Michael to run their car, the Keen family made the decision to purchase the ex-Rico Abreu-owned Aus # 16 machine, which is powered by an ex-Brian Brown engine, in order to allow Daniel the opportunity to join his brother in America.
Having shown significant promise while racing throughout their home state of Western Australia, the third-generation drivers will be hoping to continue their solid form when they touch down in America.
Keens Race Team would like to thank the following sponsors for supporting their maiden American racing tour: Dynamite Dan’s Cleaning Services, Keens Driver Training, Keenquip Race Gear, United Oil, Monster Graphics, and D&R Machining. Special thanks go to their mum and dad, Heather and John, and their grandparents, Paul and Kaye.
To find out more about the Keens Race Team and to keep up to date with their American campaign, LIKE them on Facebook by searching Keens Race Team.
Keens Race Team USA Schedule:
July 1
Placerville Speedway (CA)
July 2
Sprint Car Challenge Tour – Stockton 99 Speedway (CA)
July 3
Sprint Car Challenge Tour – Petaluma Speedway (CA)
July 4
Placerville Speedway (CA)
July 8
Placerville Speedway (CA)
July 14
Civil War Series – Ocean Speedway (Watsonville, CA)
July 15
Placerville Speedway (CA)
July 21
King of Kings – Kings Speedway (Hanford, CA)
July 22
Civil War Series – Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway (CA)
Placerville Speedway (CA)
July 29
Sprint Car Challenge Tour – Fernley 95A Speedway (NV)
August 3
360 Knoxville Nationals – Knoxville Raceway (IA)
August 4
360 Knoxville Nationals – Knoxville Raceway (IA)
August 5
360 Knoxville Nationals – Knoxville Raceway (IA)