Joining Will Marotti on this week’s episode of The Pits Are Open are up and coming stock car racer Kaeden Ballos and motorsports producer and personality Kendra Sommer. Tune in to SPEED SPORT 1 to watch this Thursday at 6pm ET, replaying Saturday at 8am ET.
Kaeden Ballos is an 18-year-old fourth-generation stock car driver from Concord, North Carolina, now competing in Late Models with a focused, professional approach to racing and brand engagement. Known for disciplined prep — from shop work and simulators to strength and cognitive training — he pairs on-track development with STEM outreach and media savvy. A former INEX Summer Shootout Outlaws champion, Kaeden balances racing with academics while building toward a full season in the CARS Tour and delivering strong partner visibility both on and off camera.
Kendra Sommer is an automotive and motorsports broadcaster, reporter, producer, and CEO of CWK Media, best known for her Cruisin’ With Kendra series. She transitioned from local and national news reporting in 2017 to cover automotive and motorsports events globally; from drag racing on ice in Wisconsin to the Saudi Crown Prince Car Show. Sommer’s work spans technical and lifestyle features for outlets including MotorTrend, Fox Sports, History Channel, and Hot Rod Magazine. She blends storytelling with hands-on industry coverage and has become a recognized voice in automotive media.
