Schuett shuts the doors on 2016 at the Junior Knepper Memorial 55
Dupo, IL (December 21, 2016) While it hasn’t been the season that Kyle and his Schuett Racing team hoped for on the track, it has been a rebuilding year for the team away from the track. Racing as much as his college education schedule would allow, Kyle had some great runs throughout the season and has a lot to look forward to going into 2017. This past weekend, the Schuett Racing, Health Alliance #9K took its final laps of the year during the USAC sanctioned Junior Knepper Memorial at the Southern Illinois Center in DuQuoin. Nearly 50 cars were on hand to pay tribute to legendary car owner, Junior Knepper, despite bitter cold temperatures and scary road conditions.
In heat race action, Kyle started fourth and finished fourth behind a seasoned veteran, an ARCA champion, and the Knoxville Nationals winner. Based on passing points, this put him lining up seventh in a qualifier event. Once again with passing points being the key to the night, Kyle was able to move forward one position to a sixth place finish. As a result of his combined heat race and qualifier passing points, Kyle started deep in the B-main and needed to get to the top four spots. An early race spin sent Kyle to the tail and a few laps later the Esslinger power plant stalled and sent Kyle to the infield; ending his night and his 2016 season. While not the results Kyle hoped for after prior success at the Southern Illinois Center, he was able to end the season with four top five finishes and ten top ten finishes. The team will now head into the offseason and begin rebuilding for next year.
As the team says goodbye to 2016 and plans for 2017, Kyle would like to thank all the friends, fans, and sponsors that helped make this 2016 season possible. Thank you - Health Alliance, Safety Kleen (The Official Environmental Service Company of Schuett Racing, Inc), Diversified Machine Incorporated (DMI), Smith Titanium, Max Pappis, DRC Chassis, Progressive Propane, AMSOIL, Hoosier Tire Midwest, Hooker Harness, Rod End Supply, Steve Thomas Racing, Keizer Wheels,Bergfield Farms, R & B Powdercoating, FK Midwest, J & K Property Rentals, LLC, and Illiana Insurance, a division of First Mid Insurance Group.