Ross Kenseth set to make ARCA debut in Wisconsin

   Ross Kenseth, the 20-year-old son of 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth, will attempt to make his first start in the Automobile Racing Club of America series  on Sunday, Aug. 25, at Madison (Wis.) International Speedway.

   Driving the No. 52 Blain’s Farm & Fleet Chevrolet for Ken Schrader Racing, Ross Kenseth’s ARCA debut will occur just 100 miles from his hometown of Little Chute, Wis., and only 20 miles from Cambridge, Wis., the home of his famous father.

    “It’s a great opportunity to get in a Ken Schrader Racing car," Ross said. "They always have good stuff, especially at short tracks. It’s also a big deal to make this start with Blain’s Farm & Fleet, which is based nearby in Janesville (Wis.) and has been with me each step of the way. I’m thankful to both for this opportunity and I’m excited to make my first start in a heavier-style stock car at Madison.”

   “We’re excited to get Ross in the car to go to Madison,” said team owner Ken Schrader. “He’s proven that he’s ready to race ARCA and he knows how to get around that track. We’re going to go up there and try to win this thing together.”

   While this will be his first start in a heavy stock car similar to the ones used in NASCAR’s top series, Ross Kenseth is no stranger to success at Madison International Speedway, having won at the half-mile paved oval five times in various series during his young racing career.

   But Kenseth’s ties to the Madison track run deeper than just his success at the 60-year-old facility. Matt Kenseth was the 1994 track champion and Ross’ grandfather, Roy Kenseth, has promoted races at the facility throughout the years.

   "There isn’t a greater place for Ross to get his first ARCA start than Madison," said Matt Kenseth. "That track has meant a lot to us through the years. We both have enjoyed some great times and have won some big races there."

   Ross Kenseth is also a mechanical engineering student at Clemson (S.C.) University.

   The TV broadcast of the Herr’s 200 ARCA Series race from Madison will air tape-delayed Thursday, Aug. 29, on NBC Sports.