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Kaley Gharst – Heading back to Australia!

(Bill W) – February 4, 2009 – Kaley Gharst is headed for his second trip "Down Under" driving for the (John) Farrell family. The 20 year old enjoyed his trip one year ago, and looks forward to competing again at the "Kings of Wings" at the Perth Motorplex on February 20 and 21, the "Krikke Boys Shootout" at the Bunbury City Speedway, and the "Sprintcar Smackdown" at the Kalgoorlie International Speedway.

Kaley will depart the U.S. on Thursday, February 12, and form a two-car team with "Flyan" Ryan Farrell. "We'll do a similar schedule to what we did last year down there, but we're adding Kalgoorlie," says Kaley. "We'll drive for the Farrell family again, so I'd definitely like to thank them for the opportunity."

Last year's trip was a successful one, and though Kaley will still be too young to rent a car in Australia, he is poised to beat their finest drivers on the track. Kaley impressed the locals in 2008, putting on some charges through feature fields, including runs of 20^th to 7^th, and 23^rd to 6^th. He also scored a second place finish to Robbie Farr in the Shootout. "We definitely struggled a bit down there to get going, and had to start in the back," says Kaley. "That hurt us on the second nights, because starting spots were based on qualifying. This time, I know the tracks a little better, and know what to expect a little more, so our hopes are higher."

The "Krikke Boys Shootout" is one of the biggest shows in Australia, and there will be some familiar American faces this year. The Decatur, Illinois driver will be joined by Michigan's Chad Blonde, Nebraska's Jack Dover, North Dakota's Wade Nygaard and the "King of California" Jonathan Allard at Bunbury. Last year, Kaley scored second to Farr in the finale. "The night we scored second to Robbie Farr definitely wasn't disappointing," he relates. "He was sweeping up everything at the time, so it wasn't too bad finishing second there…in that big of a race, especially."

Hopes are high for Kaley to get to victory lane this year in Australia. "I'm hoping we can improve a couple of spots this time, and get our first win or two down there," he says. "I know one thing. It will be warmer than it is here!"

Stateside, things are still in the planning stage. He talked about his plans while helping Daron Clayton in Florida with the All Stars this week. "Our 410 schedule here is still a bit up in the air," he says. "I know we'll be driving Randy Plath's (#14P) 360 with the Sprint Invaders. We'll probably stay a little closer to home with the way things are right now with my dad's health than we have the past few years."

Keep an eye on Kaley's progress this week and beyond at www.KaleyGharst.com!

If you would like to receive Kaley's weekly releases, send an e-mail with the subject line "Kaley" to [email protected].

Kaley is headed back "Down Under"

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constructive, it isn't me! 
@BillWMedia
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I thought he was driving Marty Johnson's 81 car at Knoxville?

Talked to him this week and he is not in Marty's car.

Edited to reflect that Kaley and Randy Plath will be driving with the Sprint Invaders Association.

If this post isn't results, stories or something c
constructive, it isn't me! 
@BillWMedia
www.OpenWheel101.com