You may know the name Tyler Carpenter because of his impressive dirt racing background, or you may know who he is because of his tendency to give a polarizing interview, from time to time.
However, after Saturday’s Dirt Late Model feature event in the Gateway Dirt Nationals, Carpenter will be known for – pending approval — earning an opportunity in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, through Niece Motorsports’ “Win & You’re In” program.
UNREAL.
Tyler Carpenter WINS the 2021 Castrol Gateway Dirt Nationals! @GatewayDirt | #DirtInDecember pic.twitter.com/ONBQvGxZjn
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) December 5, 2021
Niece Motorsports – who fields the No. 40, No. 42, No. 44, and No. 45 trucks in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series — announced the implementation of the program for the 5th Annual Gateway Dirt Nationals, a prestigious event in the dirt racing world.
The winner of Saturday Night’s Super Late Model feature would receive the race’s $30,000 prize, but would also get the opportunity to race in the second annual Truck Series event at Knoxville Speedway on June 18.
“So many of us at this organization cut our teeth in racing at dirt tracks,” said Niece Motorsports General Manager Cody Efaw, earlier in the week. “I truly believe that these drivers are some of the most talented in the country, so we’re excited to give someone another platform to showcase their abilities.”
Track promoter Cody Sommer shared the same sentiment and has made a name for himself through unique, attention-grabbing promotions.
“When we sat down and put this together it really got me excited to think about it,” said Sommer. “Imagine if Tyler Carpenter would have won this in 2019; this opportunity for that grassroots-level racer is truly once in a lifetime and it just feels great to be a part of something like this for this year’s event.”
Well, Carpenter did just that, holding off Tanner English for the victory in the feature race on Saturday. However, more magical than the performance in the event was the interview that he gave afterward.
“It ain’t gonna sink in and I’ll tell you why, I don’t think I’m supposed to be here, we’re just forcing it to happen,” Carpenter said in an emotional post-race interview. “I love my family to death, I hate saying we’re frickin’ broke, I know you guys are tired of hearing it, but you just don’t even really know.”
“This is for my family,” Carpenter continued. “I don’t care how you see me; trash, you know people take me out, rednecks, crackheads, I don’t even care, I’m here and you guys gotta see it and I love the ones who love me.”
https://twitter.com/mike_mcree/status/1467337421717180424
