Young Kenseth racing in Miller 100

CEDAR RAPIDS - Ross Kenseth is a natural behind the wheel.

That was apparent early on while winning a Big Wheel race at Wisconsin International Raceway at 3-years-old, starting competition in go-karts at 5 and climbing through the ranks to race INEX Legend cars before hopping into limited late models at 14.

Then there's being the son of NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth, but the 17-year-old from Appleton, Wis., developed his passion on his own.

"It's always been up to me. I love to do it," Kenseth said about racing. "To do something you love and do it really well is really cool."

Kenseth has achieved quick success on the American Speed Association Midwest Tour circuit, becoming the first rookie to win in his second start on the tour after Sunday's win at Elko, Minn. Kenseth will be in the field Friday for the ASAMT Keith Fleck Miller 100 at Hawkeye Downs Speedway.

Kenseth earned a runner-up finish on May 2 at Madison, Wis., before claiming the checkered flag Sunday. The quick start was better than what could have been expected.

"I was coming into the year with an open mind about it," said Kenseth, who will be a senior in high school in the fall. "I wasn't really expecting to fo a whole lot. I wanted to win a couple races and so far we've won one already, s0 hopefully, we can keep it going."

The feeling of winning in a sport that he loves is "one of a kind" for Kenseth. It's one of the reasons he has such an affection for racing.

"It's awesome when it happens and it doesn't happen to everybody all the time," Kenseth said. "The more it happens the better it gets.

"The competition and the feeling you get after you win a race is unbelievable."

Already Kenseth has shown a maturity and skill beyond his teenage years. ASAMT vice president Steve Einhaus described Kenseth as amazing.

"He's got so much talent," said Einhaus, noting that Kenseth shows  a humility and respect missing from some drivers. "He's got all the tools he needs but he's so humble. He's just like his dad. He's so quiet and just goes out there and drives."

Time with his father is limited, especially now that the younger Kenseth is racing more frequently. Kenseth said his dad races 36 weekends during the year, which doesn't include special appearances or sponsorship promises. The windows of time is short but the pair does the best they can.

"He always gives me good advice," Kenseth said. "He's always been there. He goes to the track once in awhile with us. It's always good to have him there."

Matt Kenseth is currently fourth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings. Although Kenseth doesn't model his racing style after anyone else, he has heard the comparisons to his dad.

"People always told me we're very similar in that aspect," Kenseth said. "I just try to be patient and take what I can when I need it. Just try to keep my nose clean throughout most of the races."

It likely helped him claim that first trip to victory lane in ASAMT. Kenseth battled veteran Chris Wimmer for the last part of the race at Elko Speedway. The pair jockeyed for the lead the final 25 laps without touching, according to Einhaus. They traded first place 10 times, and gave the fans a good show.

"I'm not one to get nervous in a race car, but my stomach was upside down in those last 10 laps of the race," Kenseth said. "It was really crazy for short track racing. It was a lot of fun."

Performances like that have garnered rspect by many of the experienced drivers. Einhaus said a veteran driver praised Kenseth's ability after following him for most of the race in his debut on May 2.

"A veteran said he didn't pressure people. He waited for the person to make a mistake and then he'd overcome," Einhaus said. "He said he felt really good following him because he was surprised (Kenseth was) as patient as he was."

Kenseth remains humble. He's young but realizes drivers don't stay on top all of the time. The goal is to continue success beyond Friday, which Kenseth said he hopes to grab another top-5 finish.

"I think we're capable of it," Kenseth said. "We've been running really strong."

He will have to battle a strong field, which includes three-time defending Miller 100 champion Steve Carlson, Wimmer, the series points leader, and Dan Fredrickson and Tim Schendel, who are third and fifth in points, respectively.

Einhaus expects 35 or 36 cars to be in the field, which is just about the same at last weekend's race at Elko and less than the 45-car count at Madison, Wis. The talent level on the tour is at a peak, demonstrated by four touring stars having to compete in a last chance race at Elko Speedway.

"It goes to show you how tough the competition is and we're pretty proud of that," Einhaus said. "It's going to be one of the best Miller 100's we've had in years."

Qualifying begins at 5 p.m., followed by an autograph session with the drivers, including Ross Kenseth at 6 p.m. Races begin at 7 p.m., including ASAMT Sportsman and ASAMT Trucks features and a local hornets class race.

Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Chrildren 6 years old and older are $8 with five and younger free.