Story By: A2DPR / KYLE REINHARDT RACING – ABBOTTSTOWN, PA – Kyle Reinhardt has been fast and produced consistent results across the Central PA region thus far in 2023, recording nine top-ten finishes in the eleven unsanctioned shows at five different tracks.
The World of Outlaw’s three-race, early-May swing through Pennsylvania was the first real opportunity to measure the ongoing rebuilding of his program. You could say it was time for the first exam of the year.
Reinhardt was part of a stout field of 41 cars that entered the Gettysburg Clash Wednesday night at Lincoln Speedway (PA). His qualifying lap was good for 12th quick in Flight 1, a tick slower than he needed to start within a top five transfer spot in his heat race.
Reinhardt’s time, just 0.025 seconds off a top ten qualifying run, was good enough to start 6th in his heat, certainly within striking distance of an A-main transfer.
At the drop of the green, Reinhardt charged into the 4th spot, then just as he had positioned himself to claim 3rd, a yellow flag appeared and negated the entire start. The caution changed the course of Reinhardt’s night.
The full restart didn’t go nearly as well for the Capitol Renegade, Capitol Custom Coaches & Trailers, Henry’s Wrecker No.91. Reinhardt did hold down the 5th and final transfer spot until the midpoint of the qualifying race but ultimately lost the spot and finished 6th.
Reinhardt had one more shot to transfer to the main event. He started 5th in the 12-lap B-main and needed to secure a top four finish to move on. The race did not unfold as hoped for Reinhardt. He lost two spots on the opening lap, then lost two more late in the race, putting him 9th in the final rundown and bringing an end to his night.
Friday night was a chance to hit the reset button. Reinhardt rolled into Williams Grove Speedway where he has been very competitive thus far in 2023, logging two top fives and finishing in the top ten in all four races he has entered.
Reinhardt’s speed at ‘The Grove’ was evident from the outset. He ripped off the 7th quickest lap in flight one qualifying, putting himself 4th in his heat race starting lineup.
He then proceeded to power into 3rd in the opening corner of the heat race. He withstood some pressure from Lance Dewease and held the spot to the checkered flag.
Reinhardt lined up 9th for the 25-lap A-main, looking to secure a career-best finish with the top traveling series in the country.
Things didn’t play out quite as planned. It quickly became clear that the adjustments Reinhardt made for the finale were not what his car needed. He slid back a few spots on the opening lap, then a few more about six laps into the event. The slide continued as Reinhardt fought the ill-handling machine until finally retiring with ten laps remaining. He was credited with a 23rd place finish.
“Obviously we struggled at Lincoln. We need to work on getting better there on the new tire.“, Reinhardt said.
The numbers do reflect Reinhardt’s challenges at Lincoln this year compared to other tracks. He does have one top ten finish, but his average finish prior to Wednesday was 17th, while over at Williams Grove his average finish going into the weekend was 7th.
“We had a great night going at the Grove until I tuned my car right out of the ballpark. Disappointing finish to a good night.“, Reinhardt shared, taking the responsibility squarely on his own shoulders for the adjustments that led to his A-main performance.
Unfortunately, Reinhardt didn’t get another shot to put the full night together. Saturday night’s Morgan Cup finale at Williams Grove Speedway fell victim to the weather.
The only event scheduled for the upcoming weekend for Reinhardt and the Capitol Renegade team is the Kevin Gobrecht Classic Qualifier Sunday evening at BAPS Motor Speedway in York Haven, PA.