At Age 9, Benjamin Becomes Youngest Nationals Champion

[PressRoom-GFN]

SPARTA, Ky. -- Nine-year-old Kyle Benjamin took his Wrangler No. 71 to the 10th annual Bandolero Nationals at beautiful Kentucky Speedway with hopes of a top-five finish over the Labor Day weekend. Little did the Easley, S.C., resident know that he would win the national event that exceeds him in age.

Benjamin lined up fifth for the 25-lap main event after finishing second to Kyle Plott in the first heat race for the Bandits division. Ironically, this is the same way the young Benjamin finished in the 2007 Atlanta Motor Speedway Thursday Thunder championship; right behind Plott. But this would be Benjamin’s day, as he would turn the tables on his chief rival.

At the drop of the green flag, Benjamin powered his Bandolero into third, where he fell into position with hopes of keeping his nose clean and the race car pointed in the right direction.

On lap nine, early race leader Davey Matthews got tangled up with a lapped car, bringing out the race's second caution and moving Benjamin in behind the new race leader -- Plott. This set up a 16-lap shootout between the two contenders for the crown.

On lap 21, Benjamin made his move down the backstretch, driving his Briggs & Stratton-powered machine to the inside of Plott. Coming off turn four, the South Carolina hot shoe took the lead for good, edging slightly away from his contenders.

“I got really excited when I passed for the lead,” Benjamin said, “but I knew I had to stay calm and keep my car on the bottom of the race track” to keep Plott from being able to retake the lead.

At the drop of the checkered flag, Benjamin possessed a two-car-length lead over the 23 other Bandolero Bandits vying for the crown.

In a jubilant victory lane celebration, Benjamin shared his glory with his parents, grandfather and crew chief, alongside his prized, 7-foot tall trophy. As the top five finishers were lined up in victory lane at Kentucky Speedway, Benjamin exited his race car with his patented smile gleaming.

“This is awesome!” stated the excited youngster. “Wow, that trophy is huge! We’ll probably have trouble getting it home.”

But this was one problem the entire Benjamin family was happy to solve. After a long and tedious technical inspection, Benjamin was crowned the 2007, 10th annual Bandolero Bandits Nationals champion.

Benjamin is being helped in his career by training from Future Stars in Racing Academy. The Academy helps prepare young drivers for success outside the car in public speaking; sponsor presentations; working with the media and behavior on and off the track. Future Stars in Racing is the exclusive driver development partner with the ASA Late Model Series. Marketing partners include Safety-Kleen, Awesome Racewear and Sunbelt Web Solutions. The Academy features a staff with decades of experience in all aspects of motorsports.