3/16/2017
Tyler Nelson
Tyler Nelson Looks for Redemption at USAC Season Opener
Tyler Nelson Looks for Redemption at USAC Season Opener
By Jessica Jenkins
When Tyler Nelson and the Jack Harris-owned #91 unloads at the Southern Illinois Center, they will be embarking on just their second race together. Nelson will be making his debut in the Shamrock Classic with hopes of starting the 2017 USAC National Midget season off right.
At the Junior Knepper 55 three months ago, in their first race as a team, Nelson and Harris finished seventh in the B Main, topping the 19 year old's previous best on the 1/6th mile oval. After fighting some motor issues throughout the night, they rallied, but fell short of advancing into the A. This time, with experience working together, the goal is much higher for the #91, as the driver shared: "I expect to make the main event and to be in the top ten." Getting a top finish in Saturday's Feature would shift the momentum after a difficult Chili Bowl and launch the Kansas City native into a much busier season than he had in 2016. Nelson already has fourteen more races scheduled in the #91 Harris Racing midget that equals the majority of the POWRi schedule, along with lots of USAC races in his own #88 and Roger Mason's #47.
To keep up with Nelson as he races, 'like' him on Facebook @TylerNelsonRacing or on Twitter @TylerNelson88. Pictures and updates will be posted throughout the day and evening Saturday. To learn more about this rising young driver, visit his website TylerNelsonRacing.com.
In His Own Words
"I plan to build on December by me and the car owner having learned a little about how the other one likes to do things. He learned a little about what I expect out of a car, and I learned what he expects out of a driver. We also figured out our motor gremlin. I can't wait to get back behind the wheel and this being the last indoor race means the outdoor season is just around the corner."
What You Need to Know
LOCATION: Southern Illinois Center, Du Quoin, IL
TIMES: Pits open at 8am (all times Central). Gates open at 1:00pm with a public drivers meeting at 3pm. Hot laps start at 4pm followed by racing at 5:30pm.
TICKETS: Reserved seats with a pit pass (until 3/16) are $25. General Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for kids 6-12 and free for 5 and under. Pit passes (without reserved seat) are $35. Tickets can be purchased now at www.usactickets.com.
ONLINE VIEWING: www.SpeedShiftTV.com will have a live PPV of the night's action.
PRIZE MONEY: $3900 to win (in honor of Bryan Clauson, promoter of the first Shamrock Classic)
Article Credit: Jessica Jenkins