One of Canada’s most prolific NHRA “index” class racers comes just short of ultimate prize….
Kingston Ontario native Jason Kenny came within literally only a heartbeat of capturing a NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series World Championship title in 2020.
Racing this super consistent topless Corvette – Jason Kenny finished a very close 2nd in final NHRA Lucas Oil World Championship points.
Jason, who is a second generation drag racer to his famous racing father, Al Kenny, enjoyed a truly successful season racing two cars within NHRA’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series’ indexed categories – Super Gas and Super Comp – excelling this year with his topless Corvette within 9.90 racing.
When the final season tally was verified (just last weekend!) Jason placed #2 in points by only 2 points (539 to 537) to overall champion Brian Preszler (from Washington State).
“To finish 2nd nationally is my best finish ever,” Jason confirmed. “It was obviously a very unique year. I wasn’t really in the hunt until late in the season when I won a couple races within a couple weeks (Jegs Sports Nationals and Richmond divisional). Then at that point, both dad and I had a shot at national championships — his in Top Dragster and mine in Super Gas. We both had two national events remaining, so we added in the race at Dallas at the last minute. I got close, falling short by two points — less than one round win. It’s easy to look back at “woulda, coulda, shoulda” — but the fact is that is the case for everybody.”
Jason’s dad — Al — did win the NHRA Lucas Oil World Championship title (for Super Comp 8.90) back in 2012.
Jason, who now lives and bases his racing operation from out of Pennsylvania, also enjoyed another strong season within his home division – NHRA’s Northeast. He secured yet another “top ten” this year — this time third in final S/G points. During his career he has won NHRA’s Northeast Lucas Oil Divisional championship title 5X.
Jason Kenny
While there is and will be some disappointment with the reality of coming so close to his ultimate World Championship goal, Jason is taking all that in stride and the 2020 results should be seen as both a motivator and momentum builder for next year.
“We’ve (Dad and I) both have great running cars — so we’re not planning any major changes for 2021,” he added. “We will just be freshening and fixing whatever we broke. Then if everything goes well (COVID willing) we will start it all off again at Gainesville in March.”
Posted by Bruce Biegler
Photos by Phil Hutchison – Dave DeAngelis – Bruce Biegler
