With opening night just days away, excitment is buzzing in the Hayden Racing Garage in preparation for opening night. The crew was there Sunday with the Auto Pride Collision/Duke’s Car Stereo #22 Monte Carlo, shaking it down for the upcoming season. “The car was pretty good,” said Kenny Hayden, the crew chief, and father of Kyle, “there are a few adjustments to make for this coming Saturday, but we will be ready to rock and roll.”

Kyle is coming off an excellent rookie season, where he finished 4th in the final standings at Auto City, taking 3 feature wins in the process. “The car wasn’t where I needed it to be at the beginning of the season, and I didn’t know how to drive it like it needed to be. But, once we got the set-up where I was comfortable, we were one of the cars to beat week in and week out,” said Kyle of the car during the 2005 season. “We have made some small improvements to the car this off-season, and it should be a little better than a year ago.” Along with some chassis and engine improvements, the car will also sport a little different look, going back to the number style that was on the Thunder Truck that he drove to the 2004 Thunder Truck Championship. The #22 car will also be sporting a new primary sponsor, Auto Pride Collision, along with the great support from Duke’s Car Stereo and Colorful Creations Painting.

Kyle’s younger brother Curtis also took some laps in the 22 car on Sunday, in preparation for when his Camaro is finished. The team is shooting to debut the #23 Camaro on April 29th at Auto City. “I would like to make as many features as possible, top-15 in points, and be Rookie of the Year. Oh, and maybe beat my brother a few times!” said Curtis, with his goals for the 2006 season. Curtis will face a steep learning curve, but don’t be suprised to see him running with the big dogs by season’s end. He competed in the final race of the 2005 season at Auto City, steering the #22 car to a 10th place run in his only start.

Johnny is also still a couple of weeks away in with the #64 Monte Carlo. The 2005 Thunder Truck champion is also hoping to be out sometime before the middle of May. “The car needed a lot of work, but it is heading in the right direction, and when its done, it will be a good car,” said Johnny of the street stock he purchased this off season, “I just want to have fun and gain some experience in something a little faster than the truck.” Johnny did drive the Performance Auto #9 prepared by Jim Miller, Jr. last season, and made the feature in his only appearance.

Curtis and Johnny are both still in search of sponsorship for the 2006 season. Your name could be on the side of a great looking, fast car for the entire season, for a small investment. Interested? E-mail Kyle at Ragin2122@aol.com. See ya at the races!!