Plenty of McCarls in 2009!
Friday, February 27, 2009
(Bill W) The McCarl family will be well represented at the Knoxville Raceway in 2009. Of course, Austin McCarl will be starting his 410 pursuits on a weekly basis in Janet Holbrook's #17. He will be tutored by grandfather, and former car owner and driver, Lenard. Uncle Kenny will also be around to help the 16 year old adjust to the big track, and grandmother Judy will be in attendance as well.
In addition, Austin's father, Terry, will be taking a step back from the full World of Outlaws tour to spend several Saturday nights at Knoxville in 2009. His schedule will follow no circuit or track, but it will follow the money.
Terry is optimistic about Austin's chances to succeed at Knoxville. "Like every racer, a lot depends on finances," says Terry. "Every young guy needs laps. They need to get as many as they possibly can. We may have Austin in the Micro on Friday (at English Creek), Knoxville on Saturday, and if we had the money and help, he’d be at Huset’s on Sunday too. It’s just tough to find people that can get off work and are willing to help like that, especially a young guy who isn’t proven. My family is involved. Glenn Freeland is married to my niece, my father Lenard, of course, and my brother Kenny will all lend a hand. I think he’ll do well at Knoxville. You need decent motors, and he has a couple of good Wesmars. He drives straight and smooth, and that’s the key at Knoxville. I think he’ll run better there, than maybe some of the short tracks to start out with…he reminds me of myself a bit in that respect."
2008 was arguably the toughest weekly group of drivers in the history of the speedway, and 2009 looks just as tough. Johnny Herrera and Wayne Johnson are just a couple of the latest drivers to express their intentions of running on a weekly basis at Knoxville, and the majority of 2008 drivers are returning as well. Practice night is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, with the season opener to follow on April 25. Stay tuned for weekly updates on your favorite drivers heading into the season!
(Pictured): (L to R) Kenny, Lenard, Terry, Austin and Judy McCarl will be spending a lot of Saturday nights at Knoxville this season! (IBRACN Photo)
|