PORTAGE, WI – Whenever a new driver joins the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series, there always seems to be one track that they’re most excited to visit. For EPYK Media Rookie Kody Hubred, that track is Jefferson Speedway.
Hubred welcomes his fellow TUNDRA Travelers and several outsiders to Wisconsin’s Action Track this Saturday. His anticipation of the event is running high, knowing that a home-track advantage is a distinct possibility.
“You can’t help but feel like you have that ‘home-track advantage,’” Hubred said. “Jefferson is a tricky place to get around and hard for people to show up and be fast out of the box. We’ve been working hard to make sure we have a solid piece for this race.”
He said he can’t wait to get back in front of his home crowd and hopes to dazzle them with a strong performance.
“Everyone knows when TUNDRA comes to Jefferson that it’s going to be a good show, they want to see the guys defend their turf,” Hubred said. “I’ll have lots of family and friends there as it’s the closest race to home.”
Prior to his time in TUNDRA, Hubred was racing weekly Late Models, cutting his teeth at the quarter-mile. In just a few short seasons he gained experience in leaps and bounds, and soon found himself as one of the racers to beat each Saturday night.
“It’s a special place to me. I have a lot of favorite memories there,” Hubred said. “In 2019 we had a really good car there and picked up four wins, so that’s definitely got to be my highlight there besides being Late Model Rookie of the Year in 2016.”
The 2020 season is off to a decent start for Hubred. He finished 11th in his TUNDRA debut, one spot behind fellow rookie Brock Heinrich. The two are sure to duel for the extra $100 EPYK Media top rookie bonus at each race this season. Although he just missed out on the prize, Hubred enjoyed his first series appearance.
“The first TUNDRA race was fun,” Hubred said. “It’s a great group of racers, tough competition everywhere you go, and super affordable to run.”
Hubred knows that there are still strides to be made, but he has a pretty strong supporter in his corner in three-time TUNDRA Champion and fellow competitor Casey Johnson.
“It’s been a bigger learning curve than what I expected in all honesty, but I have the best in the biz helping get me prepared and bring a solid car to each race,” Hubred said. “And without Casey, this is all just a pipe dream. He makes sure I have whatever I need for whatever race.”
Perhaps those strides will be made this weekend and Hubred will have a chance to run up front with his mentor.
“It would mean a ton for me to have a solid run there Saturday, not only for my team but all of my sponsors and everyone who has helped me get here to be able to run a Super Late Model,” Hubred said. “It would be a good momentum swing heading into the next few races as well.”
Hubred and the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series roll into Jefferson this Saturday, July 18 for what promises to be a 75-lap, gloves-off, action-packed affair. Nearly 30 entrants are expected for the event. TUNDRA will be joined by the Legends, Bandoleros, and Bandits. Qualifying is set for 5 pm with racing at 7.
Jefferson Speedway is located at W8135 US Hwy 18 just outside of Jefferson, Wisconsin. For more information visit jeffersonspeedway.com
TUNDRA Super Late Model Release and Photo
