He paid his dues.  He worked his way up the ladder.  October 31st, he will reap the benefits.  That is the night Dillon Welch will be honored as the 2009 Kenyon Midget champion.

Ford Focus winner Joe Ligouri and Regional Midget champion Kyle Hamilton will join Welch as honorees at the DK Promotions awards banquet at Lumiere Du Corps Resort in Lebanon, Indiana.

For Welch, it's been a steady progression to the championship level.  As a K-car rookie in 2007, he finished 10th in the points and was named the series' "Rookie of the Year".  The following year, after finishing fourth in points, Welch was recognized as the series' "Most Improved Driver".  He was also the recipient of the PASS award, given to the driver who demonstrated the best attitude toward the sport and its competitors.  And now in his third season, he owns the Kenyon title.

"When I came to this series three years ago, I knew it would be a big transition from the 160 pound quarter-midget to the 1,100 pound Kenyon midget," Welch said.  "I focused on getting better each time in the car and I think my progression in points through the years shows that it paid off."

In 13 races this season, Welch was the Fast Qualifier nine times, won ten Heat races, and went to Victory Lane as the Feature winner on six occasions.  He won the championship by a convincing 273 points.

"To win six Features means a lot," the 15-year old racer said.  "That's what you're there to do...win races.  But it was also important to have 'fast time' at nine of the 13 races because racing is about speed, and that indicates I was the fastest."  

Welch knows he didn't do it alone.

"Having Mel and Don Kenyon preparing my car, I never had to worry about having a good car," Dillon said.  "And it was a great experience for me to work with such great people and legendary racers."