New year brings new opportunities for Minden race car driver Thorson
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Mon, 12/11/2017 - 11:11am
Minden's Tanner Thorson, 21, looks ahead to 2018, as he partners with new organizations for the upcoming race season. Thorson is set to pilot the Dooling Hayward Motorsports/Richard Childress Racing No. 63 midget and the Tri-C Motorsports No. 3c wing sprint car.
“I’m extremely excited for what this upcoming year has in store. Joe (Dooling Jr.) and Brodie (Hayward) teamed up with Richard Childress Racing and I’m thankful they included me. I think this is a unique way to combine dirt and pavement racing and I’m happy to be a part of it.
Also, Clyde Lamar with Tri-C Motorsports, has asked me to drive one of the most historical sprint cars in the U.S., which is really special to me as well. I’m fortunate to have these opportunities with awesome programs and I can’t thank them enough,” Thorson stated.
The three-time National Midget Driver of the Year will kick off his season in the No. 63 at the 2018 Chili Bowl Nationals, Jan. 8-13, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The team will then run select USAC National Midget events, including Indiana Midget Week. Thorson, who raced his way to a fourth place finish from 22nd, and picked up the Hard Charger Award at the 2017 Chili Bowl Nationals, is thrilled to start the year with the new team at one of his favorite events.
“Chili Bowl is one of those races that I really look forward to. Everyone is fresh from the off-season and determined to have success to begin the New Year. This year is no different for myself. I’m thankful I was given the opportunity to work with the No. 63 team and Rusty Kunz. I think we will work really well together. There is no doubt that he can put together an awesome car,” Thorson expressed.
Thorson is also prepared to climb aboard the legendary Tri-C Motorsports No. 3c, owned by Clyde and Marion Lamar, and take on major west coast sprint car series such as SCCT, NARC and Civil War, with friend and former crew chief, Lee Lindgren on the wrenches.
“I have always loved jumping in a sprint car whenever I got a chance, so to be able to have a secure ride with such a great program is awesome. Lee Lindgren and I have worked so well together in the past, so I’m excited to see what we can accomplish,” Thorson added.
Thorson wrapped up the 2017 season tallying seven wins, 34 top-fives and 41 top-10s throughout a total of 61 races. He finished fourth in USAC National Midget points and picked up his third straight National Midget Driver of the Year honor.
“This upcoming year is going to be great thanks to all of my sponsors and supporters. I appreciate all of the fans that have stuck with me from the beginning and I hope I can continue to make them proud,” Thorson concluded.
A complete 2018 schedule will be published upon finalization at tannerthorson.com.
