Daison Pursley is pushing beyond the shadow of Brad Sweet and Eric Prutzman while steering the NAPA Auto Parts No. 9 with the full backing of owner Kasey Kahne.
Kasey Kahne’s Commitment to Building Momentum
Kahne has surrounded Pursley with a crew of proven talent, including Jarrett Martin, Ryan (Boyd), and Tayte (Williamson). The veteran owner believes the patience and resources supplied will translate into comparable success as Sweet’s championship run, noting how Sweet, Prutzman and the No. 49 crew thrived together.
Pursley’s Rookie Season and Current Standing
After clinching a victory in his rookie year with Buch Motorsports’ No. 13 at Lernerville Speedway—finishing seventh in the standings—Pursley’s third season has stalled at ninth, offering only four top‑five finishes in a field of seasoned sprint‑car stalwarts.
Challenges and Growth in Sprint Car Racing
Despite occasional flashes of speed, Pursley admits he sometimes feels “comfortable but slow” or “uncomfortable but fast,” struggling to convey precise adjustments to Martin as he adapts from midget to 410 sprint‑car racing. He highlighted the necessity of repeated, “kicking” practice runs for improvement, citing a lack of external training avenues common in other sports.
Looking Ahead: Knoxville Nationals and Beyond
The team is gearing up for Thursday’s Knoxville Nationals preliminary round, hoping the experience will spark a turnaround. After the Nationals, Pursley envisions a high‑limit swing across California bullrings, praising how the dirt track conditions help him “take the dirty air out of it.” He also expressed optimism about Port Royal, recalling a solid performance at the Weikert Memorial and aspiring to build confidence through upcoming races.
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