We’ve been hearing lots of news lately about the NMRA’s Coyote Stock class, with rumors of new cars and drivers just about every day. Coyote Stock is unique in the heads-up world in that the class requires a sealed, ‘spec’ engine and control pack that can be purchased through any Ford Racing Performance Parts dealer, then installed into your chassis that meets the class rules. The spec engine and locked-down rules package have been attracting a lot of attention from new and old racers alike, and one competitor we can introduce to you for 2013 is Georgia’s Kermit Buffington, a former NMRA Factory Stock racer who has decided to make the class change for 2013. His gorgeous blue notch is in the process of being refitted for the Coyote Stock class, and he’s anxious to get rolling into the 2013 season.

Buffington competed last season in Factory Stock, but made the decision to move over to Coyote Stock rather easily. “To be blunt, I didn’t want to spend twenty grand trying to catch Carlos in Factory Stock. The sealed engine deal and the rules package are what made me want to switch over – everyone running under the same rules. I think it’s going to be more reasonable to run once I get the car changed over, too,” he explained.

As a new racer last season, Buffington has gained a newfound respect for those who compete at the top level.

“Last year was the first year I had done any heads-up racing; prior to that it was only test-and-tune, and heads-up racing is very difficult. We found out real quick it takes a hell of a car to run with everyone. I’ve been around racing all my life, but it was just bracket-racing. I’ve learned a lot about having an optimal car since I got started doing this. We are planning on making all of the races next season as of right now,” he said.