Youngster makes some noise

It’s official: Kenny Perry no longer should be considered a racing greenhorn.
In fact, the 14-year-old former go-karter almost pulled off a major upset in his mini-sprint debut at Saturday’s season-opener of the Borderland Racing Association at the Emo Speedway.
The younger Perry, son of defending mini-spring champ Ken Perry, fell behind early to veteran Jason Strom but used a late-lap spurt to finish second in the feature race.
Heat winner Kyle Ridlon finished third.
“It was a rush. The cars, the speed. Everything,” were the only wo rds Perry could use to sum up of the evening.
Perry said it was an added thrill to race against Strom, who congratulated him on a strong performance afterwards.
“He gave me a little bit of advice,” said Perry. But whether he gave the seven-year veteran any words of wisdom, the youngster laughed, “Not just yet.”
Perry and his dad missed the heat earlier in the evening due to last-minute tune-ups to the car. He ended up using his father’s car for the feature and put on a show for him.
Fans can expect both Perrys to be on the track this Saturday as Kenny’s car will see the track for the first time.
“I’ll be using a snowmobile motor [in my car],” the teen said. “We’ll both be ready.”
In other action Saturday, modified racer Dwayne Pelepetz won two of the evening’s closer contests, ripping Steve Arpin in the second heat and then edging out Gavin Paull in the feature.
Paull had collided with heat one winner Victor Larson, which allowed an opening for Pelepetz.
Of note was first-year driver Phil Gavel, another former go-karter who finished third in heat two.
Rick Simpson won both heat two and the feature of the street class division. Second-year driver Chris Shine finished first in heat one.
This week’s racing action gets underway at 7 p.m. at the Emo Speedway. Hot laps are at 6:30.