Matt Kenseth's son to make big track debut at Kansas ARCA

Ross Kenseth will attempt to make his first ARCA Racing Series start of the year, and first on a big track, on Oct. 3 at Kansas Speedway. Driving a No. 3 Chevy for RACE 101, Kenseth – 21-year-old son of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star Matt Kenseth – will be making his first career start at a track more than one-mile in distance in the ARCA season finale.

It will be the second ARCA Racing Series start of the young Kenseth's career. In his first start at Madison International Speedway in 2013, Kenseth won the pole and led for 51 laps before finishing sixth, but he expects the challenge to be greater in Kansas.

"First off, I'm grateful to Tony (Blanchard, RACE 101 owner) for giving me this shot," said Kenseth. "I've worked with the team a little over the past couple months before we tested together at Kentucky. I thought the test went well and I'm excited to go to Kansas and see what we can do. I think Kansas presents a lot of challenges for us with this being our first race together. We're all going in with realistic expectations, but I'm certainly going to do whatever I can to make the most of this opportunity and get this team the best finish possible."

Following a test last week at Kentucky Speedway, RACE 101 owner Tony Blanchard, who also serves as crew chief on the No. 3 ARCA Racing Series entry, made the arrangements to put Kenseth in the car for the ARCA finale in Kansas.

"We had an opportunity open up for Kansas and I needed a good, young driver who wants a chance," said Blanchard. "We're realistic, and I need someone who is realistic. It's a great opportunity for Ross, and a great opportunity for RACE 101.

"I like Ross' disposition and his ability. Every time I see him, he's under a hood or under a fender. He's very involved. I'm confident in him keeping the car underneath him, taking care of it and I'm confident in the feedback that he gives will improve the car."

Kenseth has made a name for himself winning over 30 late model races throughout the country over the past six years, including the prestigious Winchester 400 and All-American 400 in 2012. He's currently second in the ARCA/CRA Super Series championship point standings going into the final two races of the 2014 campaign.

Created by veteran crew chief and innovator Blanchard, RACE 101 began as a school for aspiring racers to learn everything from technical knowledge to marketing and public speaking with a particular focus on understanding the mechanical functions of a racecar.