16-year-old Quincy native Kasey Kleyn is set to make a name for himself far from his home turf, as he embarks on a NASCAR Regional racing journey in Florida. This November, the young talent will be acclimating to the Sunshine State’s unique racing culture, beginning with the prestigious Florida Governor’s Cup at New Smyrna Speedway on Nov. 10. From there, Kleyn’s sights will be firmly set on qualifying for his first Snowball Derby at Pensacola’s Five Flags Speedway in December.
Kleyn, who has already gained valuable experience racing against top Super Late Model drivers across the country, recently competed in the All American 400 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. Backed by FatHead Racing, a seasoned team, Kleyn is confident heading into the Governor’s Cup.
Kleyn’s race car
(Photo: Brian Hayes/ARCA Racing)
Kleyn’s journey to this national spotlight started with his successes on the West Coast. After securing his first Northwest Super Late Model Series victory at Stateline Speedway in 2023, Kleyn went on to clinch five wins and a championship. He also made his ARCA Menards Series West debut, driving Naake Klauer Motorsports’ No. 88 to a top-10 finish at Tri-City Raceway. However, Kleyn knew that expanding his horizons was essential for his growth as a driver. Partnering with FatHead Racing was a significant step forward. “The southeast looked like the place to do it with all the exposure, and the racing is a lot more competitive,” Kleyn told NASCAR.com. “We’ve been winning a lot here, but we got to talking with FatHead Racing and worked out a deal. Hopefully we can win some races and get some people looking.”
Balancing his racing commitments with schoolwork, Kleyn’s commute from Washington state to the Southeast often involves six-hour red-eye flights. Despite the logistical challenges, his partnership with FatHead Racing has already been beneficial. Working under car owner Jamie Yelton and receiving guidance from Super Late Model legend Bubba Pollard has provided Kleyn with invaluable insights. Pollard’s expertise, especially at challenging tracks like Five Flags Speedway, has been instrumental. “It’s been really good learning from Pollard,” Kleyn shared. “He knows what he’s talking about, and I’m really looking forward to having him at Five Flags Speedway.”
In a competitive field featuring elite drivers, Kleyn stays focused on his performance rather than his competitors’ reputations. “I try not to think of them as the best guys in the business,” he said. “If you treat them like they’re better than everyone else, then you kind of put yourself at a disadvantage.”
Kleyn’s determination will be crucial as he prepares for both the Governor’s Cup and the Snowball Derby. Though unfamiliar with New Smyrna’s abrasive surface, he remains optimistic about his chances, trusting in FatHead Racing’s support to help him contend for victory. His experiences in the southeast have already tested him, as he adapts to faster tracks and more demanding competitors. “Back home, we race quarter-mile tracks and don’t have half-mile stuff. You have to be more perfect around the track to have fast laps and not lose time to these guys,” Kleyn explained.
Kleyn is already preparing for a rigorous 2025 schedule with FatHead Racing, aimed at raising his profile among industry leaders. Although his journey keeps him far from Quincy, Kleyn is steadily carving out a place for himself among Super Late Model racing’s brightest stars.
Source: NASCAR.com
