Des Moines, IA (April 25, 2018) – The TKS Motorsports team started the season off with a win, as Austin McCarl and the Renfro-owned #2KS team were able to park it in victory lane at Knoxville Raceway on opening night. The third-generation driver from Altoona was able to etch his name into the history books with his first career win at the famed half-mile, however the win looked easier than it proved to be.
Friday night was practice night for competitors at the Knoxville Raceway, and the TKS Motorsports crew dealt with some adversity that bled into Saturday. “I was a little too lean with the motor on Friday and got an exhaust valve” said Troy Renfro. “We ended up having to change motors on Saturday morning and I definitely played it a little too cautious in hot laps and qualifying.”
Going out last to take time in qualifying, Austin was able to lock down a spot in the middle of the field, earning him a starting spot on the outside of the front row in the first heat. From there, Austin rode the cushion to a large margin of victory.
“While we erred on the side of caution in qualifying, it gave us some great information that allowed us to get a better plug read and trim out the fuel,” said Troy. “Things really came together in the heat and the air was phenomenal on Saturday, so with Austin out in clean air he was able to run away with it.”
The feature saw Austin start on the pole and again jump out to a massive lead, as he had in his heat race. He was able to work through traffic and build a substantial lead before a late red flag brought about a series of restarts with Brooke Tatnell right on the tail tank of the TKS Motorsports #2KS.
“Austin really did everything right on those restarts,” said Troy. “Tatnell has been around long enough that he’s a tough guy to have right behind you in that situation and Austin did exactly what he had to each time and brought home the victory.”
Austin noted that he didn’t have any clue how far out in front he had been prior to the first caution coming out, but the restarts actually made him feel good. “I definitely didn’t want the caution to come out, but on the restarts I’d drive into one on the cushion and never see Tatnell beneath me, so I knew I was doing something right,” said Austin. “I was just focusing on keeping the car straight and carrying momentum out of the corner and not worry about who was behind me.”
It was a great night for Austin’s first win, as many of the great supporters of the TKS Motorsports team were in attendance and had the chance to celebrate in victory lane. “I’m happy for the whole team, but especially for Austin,” said Troy. “Even if you take away his last name and what that means for the McCarl family, it’s always cool to be part of a driver’s first win at Knoxville.”
“It also meant a lot to have Don & Charlene Lamberti, Bob Myers from Casey’s General Stores, Tim Heady of Midwest Basement Systems, Rick & Belinda Lander from DMIP, and a lot of people from Neumann Brothers Construction and Liberty Ready Mix all on hand, because we wouldn’t even have the chance to get to victory lane without them,” said Troy. “There were so many people in victory lane to celebrate that I just stood off to the side and took it all in.”
Many people have had a word of advice for Austin this week following the win: “I’ve had a lot of people saying that I need to get married more often! Or at least before the Knoxville Nationals, though I’d have to make the podium to pay for the wedding,” Austin said.
Austin also had the opportunity to represent the TKS team and sit in the spotlight earlier this week when he appeared on CW Iowa Live (click here for video).
Austin McCarl and the TKS Motorsports #2KS will be back in action this Saturday night at the Knoxville Raceway looking to go back-to-back! Check out the new TKS Motorsports website for the season schedule and more from the TKS team.
TKS Motorsports is thankful for the support of all of their loyal sponsors:
Casey's General Stores, Des Moines Industrial Products (DMIP), Midwest Basement Systems, Neumann Brothers Construction, AFA Wheels, AL Driveline, All Star Performance, AO Designs, ATL Racing Fuel Cells, Aurora Rod Ends, Billy Bell House Moving, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Butlerbuilt, Fibreworks Composites, Gail Dielman, Hoosier, HRP, Indy Race Parts, Justice Brothers, KSE Racing Products, Liberty Ready Mix, Mag Tech Ignition, Maxim Racing Chassis, Parker Performance, Schoenfeld Headers, Slade Shock Technology, Snyder Landscaping & Lawn Care, Tony Moro Collision Center, Tony Moro Powdercoating & Sandblasting, Top Flight Wings, Walker Filtration Systems, Webb Family Farms, Wilwood, and Winters Performance Products.
Photo Credit: Ken Berry