The Daytona 500 didn't go as D.J. Kennington planned with getting caught up in one of the big wrecks, but it was an experience he's going to remember forever.

"We made a dream come true," he said. "It didn't end how I wanted, but that's restrictor plate racing. Editor's Picks #96 Gaunt Brothers Racing Team News and Links

There's nothing that you can do. You always think that you can miss things, but at 200mph it's hard to miss a parked car. Not the way we wanted to finish. But it's a big deal to make the race as a small team, and we ran competitively, and hopefully there's more to come soon."

It's also opened the door for possibly running more races this season in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series for #96 Gaunt Brothers Racing.

"We're working on it with getting more sponsorship opportunities, but as of right now, I will say yes," he said. "Hopefully we have some news coming soon."

Beyond plans in NASCAR's premiere division, there's also a possibility of seeing him back at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in the truck race for the second straight year. He mentions "there are irons in the fire," but the "main goal will be focused on Gaunt Brothers Racing and our own stuff in the Pinty's Series."

Kennington is set to return to the NASCAR Pinty's Series once again to partake in the full schedule, hoping to walk away as the series champion.

"I think it'll be a great season for us," he said. "We will get back into the winner's circle - it's not an if, it's a when. I'm looking forward to every race. I think we'll have a great season this year and hopefully walk away with the championship."

--- in part from Popular Speed ---