Not that anyone needed my vote, but I'm convinced Kyle Strickler is the real deal!

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Seen him twice now. Once at the Harris Clash in Knoxville, Iowa. And this past weekend at the USMTS Cajun Clash at Ark-La-Tex Speedway.

The North Carolina racer arrived in Waco, Texas for his first USMTS race just 14 days ago. Two first time tracks, different tire, new series and format. 45-50 cars the first weekend. 65-74 the 2nd one. They do passing point heat races. Top 8 in points redraw for the first 4 rows. 9-12 lock into A. Rest go to B. 24 open qualifying spots in all and 2 USMTS provisionals.

First night, nothing to write home about. Missed the A by 3 spots in his B. Last time he would miss the A in 6 races.

Night #2. Runs 2nd in his B to make the show. A-main finish wasn't great but it's the last time he would need a B-main to qualify in this stretch.

Night #3 and he qualifies top 8, draws the front row and battles for the win for half-the-race in his Harris Chassis. Ends up 2nd!

On to Ark-La-Tex. Never needs a B-main to make any of the As. Makes another top 8 redraw on Friday and his first two finishes here are 9th and 5th. On Saturday, he only lasted 12 laps after starting 12th but he was on a mission for those 12. Knifed through the field up to 6th until incidental contact broke the right front. Watch that black #8 next race!

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And the competition he faced this past weekend?

As good as it gets. Jason Hughes, Ryan Gustin, Rodney Sanders, Terry Phillips, Stormy Scott, Johnny Scott, Timothy Culp, Jason Ingalls, Zack VanderBeek and dozens more!