Among what is expected to be a stout field of Limited Late Model cars entering the CARS Tour Limited Late Model race at Tri-County Motor Speedway on March 10th, is 13 year old Timmy “Mini” Tyrrell.
This is no ordinary 13 year old. Mini has been winning Late Model Stock Car races since he was just 10 years old and competing in a Late Model Stock Car since he was just nine years old. His win at Shenandoah Speedway at just 10 years old made him the youngest driver to ever win a Late Model Stock Car race and likely the youngest winner ever in any type of full-size race car competing against adults.
He’s racked up 16 Late Model Stock Car victories and one Limited Late Model win as well as two Late Model Stock Car track championships at Shenandoah Speedway. Ironically, despite his Late Model Stock Car success on an unsanctioned track, his age still prevents him from competing in any NASCAR or CARS Tour sanctioned Late Model Stock Car races. The CARS Tour, however, has decided to open up their two Limited Late Model races to approved drivers under the age of 14.
It’s an opportunity that’s not lost on the young driver.
“I’m very thankful for CARS Tour allowing me to run,” Tyrrell said. “Really appreciate the opportunity to go run this race at Tri-County. It’s a great chance for me to run against some new drivers and some really good drivers from that area.”
Tyrrell has had success at every venue he’s competed. His lone win in the Limited Late Model division came at Southern National Motorsports Park last November. It was just his third start at the 4/10 mile track. Going to Tri-County Motor Speedway will present some new challenges but Tyrrell is up to the task.
“Tri-County is a multi-groove track that will provide a lot of room to race. My crew chief (Brandon Butler) won the pole there in a Hooters Pro Cup race and led 210 of 250 laps, so we think we’ll have a good baseline of where to start. Then we can just dial the setup in and hope to have a good run.”
Tyrrell goes into every race with the goal of winning but he also realizes that many drivers will have a lot more experience than him on the 4/10 mile speed plant.
“I think we’ll be good,” commented Tyrrell. “I mean we always go to win but we know we need to have a good run and to do so we’ll have to beat some really good Limited drivers from the area. It won’t keep us from trying to win but I’d rather go in and gain experience and let the other drivers know I won’t do anything stupid and earn their respect.”
Tyrrell will also run a handful of Limited Late Model races at Hickory Motor Speedway this season including the CARS Tour Limited race on Friday, August 3rd.
“It’s awesome for us that Hickory has removed NASCAR sanctioning from their Limited Late Model division. That will allow us to run some more races there and really get dialed in on that race track.”
Tyrrell is one of a handful of young drivers expected to attempt to make the field for the two CARS Tour Limited Late Model races. Of course, RACE22.com will have RACEDAY LIVE Coverage from both of those events bringing you every lap of action from all CARS Tour Late Model Stock Car and Limited events.
