Kasey Kleyn Charges Through Field Before Late Tire Failure at Five Flags
Kasey Kleyn Charges Through Field Before Late Tire Failure at Five Flags
Pensacola, Fla. (March 16, 2026) — Rising Super Late Model driver Kasey Kleyn showed impressive speed and determination Saturday during the Sunshine State 200 at Five Flags Speedway, part of the ASA STARS National Tour in conjunction with the Southern Super Series.
Driving the No. 1 Super Late Model for Trevor Christiani Racing, Kleyn qualified 21st in a stacked field featuring many of the best short-track racers in the country. Once the green flag dropped during the afternoon event, the Quincy, Washington driver quickly proved his car had the speed to compete near the front.
Kleyn methodically worked his way through the field, climbing from his 21st starting position to 12th place during the opening run of the 200-lap feature. Unfortunately, during the first stage break the team experienced a starter malfunction, forcing Kleyn to restart the race from the rear of the field.
Despite the setback, Kleyn once again began charging forward, showcasing the speed of the No. 1 machine as he raced his way back up to 13th place. However, with momentum building, the day took another turn when a right-front tire failure sent Kleyn into the frontstretch wall, ending what had been a promising run.
The incident resulted in a 23rd-place finish (DNF) in the final results.
“We had a really good car,” Kleyn said. “We drove up through the field early and felt like we had something to work with. The starter issue set us back, but the team kept fighting and we were coming back through the pack again before the tire let go. It’s frustrating, but it also shows we had the speed to race with some of the best drivers in the country.”
Kleyn’s No. 1 Super Late Model carried support from Farmer Bean and Seed, Thaemert Farms, and the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, which works to raise awareness and support for children battling pediatric cancer.
Kleyn competed for Trevor Christiani Racing in the highly competitive event that featured one of the deepest Super Late Model fields assembled early in the 2026 season.
Next up for Kleyn is the Rattler 250 on March 21 at South Alabama Speedway, one of the premier early-season Super Late Model events in the Southeast.
About Kasey Kleyn
Kasey Kleyn is an emerging Super Late Model driver from Quincy, Washington, competing in some of the most competitive short track racing events across the United States. Known for his determination and ability to charge through the field, Kleyn continues to build experience against many of the sport’s top drivers while representing his partners both on and off the track. With a strong work ethic and growing resume, Kleyn is focused on continuing to climb the ranks in professional stock car racing.
About the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation
The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation improves the quality of life for children battling pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers by pairing them with college and professional sports teams as honorary teammates. Through these unique partnerships, children and their families experience love, support, and encouragement while raising awareness for pediatric cancer nationwide.
Media Contact
Race Face Brand Development
Rod Wortham
Phone: 727-999-2628
Email: rod@racefacebd.com
