AUSTIN KOCHENASH LOOKS FOR FIRST CAREER TRI TRACK WIN IN 2021
BY SOUZA MEDIA/KYLE SOUZA
SEEKONK, Mass. — Austin Kochenash is one of many rising Modified stars who have selected the Tri Track Open Modified Series in 2021. Kochenash, who has been racing since the young age of just six-years-old, is a multiple-time champion in his rise through the ranks of the sport.
He’s raced all across the country, including previously with the Tri Track Series, where he has seven career starts. In 2020, during a shortened season because of COVID-19, Kochenash marked a best finish of eighth at Star Speedway in the annual SBM event. For this year, he looks to attempt to break into the top-five, and hopefully Victory Lane.
“The Tri Track Open Modified Series has probably the toughest competition out of all of the races and series I have ever run,” Kocenhash said. “We are still learning every race out. Not having a manufactured car has added to that learning process, but at the end of last season, I think we got it a lot closer.”
Tri Track confirmed six races for the new season last week, including two stops at Monadnock Speedway (May 1 & August 14), two at Star Speedway (May 22 & July 24) and two at Seekonk Speedway (June 30 & October 23). Kochenash is one of many drivers planning to compete in all six events, where a champion will be crowned at Seekonk as part of the annual Haunted Hundred. Tri Track has built a staple base at some of the regions most historic bullring tracks, where some of the top asphalt drivers in the country come together to thrill race fans.
“The smaller, short-tracks are what I like the most,” Kochenash said. “I feel like racing is better. It takes some factors out, and you have to concentrate more on your setup and tire management. I like all three of the tracks on the schedule because each one is a little bit different.”
Kochenash, a regular on the Race of Champion Modified Tour during this career, finished top-10 in two of the three races he ran with Tri Track last year. He was the youngest driver to compete in and win a Late Model race at Mahoning Valley Speedway at the time.
“Everyone’s goal on the team is to win, but if we could run top-five consistently, and go from there, that’s my goal,” Kochenash said. “I have to thank Wentz Auto Body, Loikits Oil, Loikits Industrial, Vince with Penske Shocks and my entire team.”
Registration for the 2021 Tri Track Open Modified Series season will open on January 28, where drivers will have the opportunity to either sign-up for a single race, or complete a form for the entire season.
