Austin competes with Aaron Reutzel at Knoxville (Mark Funderburk Racing Photo)
(Bill W) April 25, 2017 – The TKS Motorsports #2KS team and driver Austin McCarl had a successful debut in Knoxville Raceway’s opener last Saturday night. Despite coming out late, the Altoona, Iowa driver registered the third quick time of the night. He battled in the top five in the feature before finishing sixth. The team returns to Knoxville this Saturday night.
Unfortunately, when team intern, Brad Parker, was late to the track, owner and crew chief, Troy Renfro, was responsible for the draw. “Overall, (Wife) Tammy and I were really happy with the night,” he says. “It was just Austin’s second time in the car. Usually, I’m not allowed to draw, but I did. And I did what I usually do and draw a really late number. Austin overcame that, and we were third quick. We were really happy about that.”
The good start to the night was not lost on Austin. “It was a great start to be third quick,” he says. “The two guys in front of us (a Kerry Madsen and Brian Brown) are two of the best qualifiers in the country. That was rewarding.”
Austin drove from sixth to fourth in his heat. “It’s a different package than what he’s used to,” says Troy. “Everything is different. He’s getting comfortable, and he looked it all night.”
After starting fourth in the feature, he settled in that spot behind Brown, Madsen and Aaron Reutzel. “We got into traffic and really got into a rhythm there,” says Austin. “I just messed up on the restart a little bit. I didn’t get a clean start. Ian (Madsen) got us there in one and two. I hit the berm in three and four and my Dad (Terry) got me there. I really thought we were going to get back by him.”
Austin would checker sixth. “It’s like I told Austin,” says Troy. “The guys that finished in front of you have 15-20 races under their belts this year already. That’s something you have to look at. He did a good job and we were really happy.”
Austin felt good in the car all night. “I was really comfortable in the car, especially it being the first time back at Knoxville,” he says. “With the new car and new program, things went great. I thought it was a really good start for our team. We have a car that can win.”
Troy is also impressed with his driver’s abilities and know-how when it comes to the car.
“I really feel working on the car is key for a driver,” he says. “Austin has done that. He understands the ins and outs of a sprint car. We have great communication. He says exactly what I’m seeing on the track. I’m really impressed with the knowledge he has. A lot of that goes back to working on his car, his Dad’s cars and others. That’s a big plus, and I don’t see that a lot anymore.”
Sponsor the Front Wing with TKS Motorsports!
TKS Motorsports is always open to new perspective partners! Whether you’d like to partner with the team for the full season, or put your company’s name on the nose wing for a night of your choice, contact Troy at tsrenfro8725@gmail.com!
TKS Motorsports would like to thank Casey's General Stores, Des Moines Industrial Products (DMIP), 1 Way Technologies, AL Driveline, AO Designs, All Star Performance, ATL Racing Fuel Cells, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Fibreworks Composites, Hoosier, Indy Race Parts, KSE Racing Products, Mag Tech Ignition, Maxim Racing Chassis, Schoenfeld Headers, Tony Moro Collision Center, Tony Moro Powdercoating & Sandblasting, Butlerbuilt, Aurora Rod Ends, HRP, Volcano Joe’s Coffee, Snyder Landscaping & Lawn Care, Justice Brothers, Webb Family Farms, Wilwood, Winters Performance Products and Gail Dielman.
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Photo: Austin competes with Aaron Reutzel at Knoxville (Mark Funderburk Racing Photo)
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