Tyler Thompson, Team Tapout End Indoor Auto Racing Championship On A High Note
Story By: DAN KAPUSCINSKI / TEAM TAPOUT RACING – OSWEGO, NY – Team Tapout Racing ended their first campaign on the Indoor Auto Racing Championship trail on a high note in Albany’s Times Union Center over the weekend as they not only battled up front in both TQ Midget mains, but also claimed victory in the Champ Kart portion of the program on Saturday evening.
Entering only his third TQ Midget event, Tyler Thompson showed stellar speed all weekend long in the No. 98T, qualifying for both main events on the weekend.
On Friday night Thompson again went to victory lane in the B-Main to move on to the feature, and before long was up front in a race for top five positioning. Unfortunately, a flat left front tire ended Thompson’s bid for victory in the opening night of action.
On Saturday Thompson rebounded, setting third fastest time in both warm-up sessions before charging from fifth to second in his heat race to earn his best qualifying position of the season for a 40-lap main, starting in seventh.
Come feature time, Thompson again moved forward, sliding into the fourth position early on. But again, trouble would strike, as the leaders jammed up on a double file restart resulting in Thompson getting turned from behind while riding fourth, which would force him to have to restart at the tail of the field.
On his way back to the front, Thompson could not avoid making contact with another spinning car, bending a front spindle and ending the night for the No. 98T in 15th position.
“The end results didn’t show it this weekend, but we were right there,” said Thompson. “This gives us a lot of confidence as we look forward to being a part of this championship again next season. Thanks to everyone for their support and hard work, we had fun and learned a lot.”
Tyler Brown was once again at the controls of the Team Tapout Champ Kart, wheeling the No. 220 machine to victory lane in Saturday night’s feature event.
Brown stopped Cale Ross, who finished in second and had been previously unbeatable in the series.
“We knew when we put Tyler (Brown) in the champ, that he could battle for wins,” said Thompson. “It didn’t work out in Atlantic City, but he made it happen in Albany. We’re proud of everyone’s effort. It’s a great way to end this series for our team.”
Thompson will return to the seat of a kart this weekend along with fellow Team Tapout racer Sean Simmons, as the duo takes on the 40th annual Motorama in Harrisburg, PA.
Kart action will take place February 17-18 as Thompson battles in both the Champ Kart division and the Pro Clone division while Simmons will compete in Jr. Blue Clone and Jr. Unrestricted.
