Things are clicking of Tanner Carrick as of late and the Californian kept that trend up over the last week as he tallied four Top-10 finishes, three of which were Top-Five’s, with the USAC National Midget Series during Mid-America Midget Week.
“I can’t say enough about the Keith Kunz team,” Tanner Carrick said. “My guys worked hard every night and in all four nights we truly had a car that was capable of winning.”
Fresh off of his Pepsi Nationals win at legendary Angell Park Speedway, Carrick and his Keith Kunz Motorsports team met up with USAC and traveled through America’s heartland running four races in six nights and four different tracks.
Checking in at Red Dirt Raceway in Meeker, OK on Tuesday night, Carrick would time the CVC/TRD/Spikes Chassis No. 71k machine in second quickest in time trials, only trailing KKM teammate Christopher Bell who set a new track record.
Finishing sixth in his heat race, Carrick would be forced into the semi-main, where a win would move him into the feature event where he would roll off the starting grid from the seventh starting position.
When the race went green, Carrick would get off to an impressive start as he was instantly up front battling for the top spot. Using the bottom groove, Carrick would lead the second lap before Ryan Robinson was able to get back by him.
Fighting in a group of KKM cars, Carrick would hold his own with Bell and Logan Seavey before ultimately setting for third place when the fast paced feature event came to a close.
Wednesday night in Beloit, KS, Carrick would continue to run extremely well as he would time in ninth fastest in time trials before running fourth in his heat race.
The feature event would see the Lincoln, CA driver take the green flag from the ninth starting position though he wouldn’t be there long. Racing past the likes of Chad Boat, Tyler Courtney, and KKM teammate Holly Shelton, Carrick would again find himself in the Top-Five when the race was completed as he finished just behind Jason McDougal and in the fifth spot.
Thursday and Friday would turn into off days with weather, and action resumed on Saturday night as the series invaded Jefferson County Speedway in Fairbury, NE.
Timing in fifth quickest in qualifications, Carrick would run fourth in his heat race which ultimately put him in the second row for the 40-lap feature event. Mixing it up with Logan Seavey, Brady Bacon, and Kevin Thomas, Jr during the feature, Carrick would continue to prove himself as a nightly threat as he would again land inside the Top-Five by way of a fourth place finish.
Mid-America Midget Week came to a close on Sunday night as the stars and cars of the USAC National Midget Series made their way to Sweet Springs, MO to try their hand at the Sweet Springs Motorsports Complex.
Getting his potent KKM prepared entry timed in 10th quickest in qualifying, Carrick would finish fourth in his heat race and transfer directly into the final 40-lap feature event of the week.
In what would be the lowest finish of the week, Carrick was still in the mix as he kept his machine well inside the Top-10 on this nice. The 40-lap feature saw the reigning Rookie of the Year mix it up with stout KKM teammates Christopher Bell and Spencer Bayston amongst other as they jockeyed for track position.
When it was all said and done, Carrick closed the week out with his fourth Top-10 of the week as he finished eighth.
“It really has been a great stretch for our team as of late,” Carrick said. “Winning a big race a couple weeks ago we were right there every night this past week and that is really a good feeling. Thanks to all my guys for their hard work, and thank to these great partners for continuing to support me and let me do what I love.”
Tanner Carrick and the Keith Kunz Motorsports team would like to thank CVC, TRD, Spike Chassis, Cemex, Arai, and Shell Shock for their support.
2018 BY THE NUMBERS- Starts-23, Wins-2, Top 5’s-8, Top 10’s-15
ON TAP: Tanner Carrick will now head back to his native California and the seat of his Tanner Carrick Racing No. 83T winged spring car for a double header at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville, CA on Friday and Saturday night.
STAY CONNECTED: Stay up to speed with Tanner Carrick by following him on Twitter @Carrick_Tanner or @CarrickMotorsp1.