From Bill W – Terry McCarl wants to announce his intentions of finding a quality sprint car ride. Much speculation has led to some inaccuracies, and he would like to clear the air. In the interim, he is forming the TMAC Motorsports #24 team until something solid comes along, and plans on competing on July 2.
The Altoona, Iowa driver was injured while setting up his t-shirt trailer in April. The accident left him with a completely torn biceps tendon. “I’ve been released from the Big Game Treestands ride,” says TMAC. “They have decided to go with Sammy Swindell. It is amazing that I have been involved with Big Game for over twelve years. That is pretty amazing that a relationship can last that long in today’s world.”
The veteran drove to 19 wins in 2009, including two World of Outlaw events including the “Knight Before the King’s Royal”. Misfortune plagued him on a few nights that would have resulted in even more WoO wins. The team also won four times with the All Stars including the Ohio Speedweek stop at Eldora and the $10,000 finale at Huset’s Speedway, the Jackson Spring Nationals and the Knoxville 360 Nationals (TMAC’s record third win in that) among others.
The veteran has won 247 times and has seen it all in the sport. “It’s unfortunate, but Mr. Quiring has decided to go in a different direction,” says TMAC. “That’s o.k. I’ve seen about everything in this sport. Things come and go, and that is life. Am I disappointed? Yes, but on the other hand, I’ll keep going. It’s a business, and time will tell how it turns out.”
After TMAC’s injury, one driver came to his mind as a replacement. “When I got hurt, (Owner) Mr. Quiring was talking about other drivers, but it was my idea to bring in Sammy Swindell,” he says. “I want to make it clear that I have no animosity towards Sammy. He and Amy are really good people, and of course, Sammy drove for me when I broke my leg.”
Meanwhile, the TMAC Motorsports #24 team is being put in place. “I’m putting my own team together in the interim,” says the six-time Knoxville track champion. “I am openly seeking opportunities to join a successful team though. I know that rides are few and far between, but I’m definitely interested in driving for someone. Again, in the interim, I’m looking for partners with TMAC Motorsports as well.”
TMAC is eyeing his return to the cockpit for a very special event which he won in 2009. “I will be making my debut at the Sue Thiel Memorial up at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin on July 2,” he says. “Sue lost her life as a result of an accident, and her family is tremendous. They are just wonderful people. Whether I was going to race or not, I was planning on being there.”
The proud father has been helping his son Austin to a very solid season in the 410 sprint class. Last Friday, the hard work paid off with a victory at the Rapid Speedway in Rock Rapids, Iowa. “I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder than when he took that checkered flag,” says TMAC. “You can win one yourself, but when it’s your son it’s something else. He has worked hard to do well this year, and he deserves it. He did a great job.”
Front Row Challenge/Ultimate Challenge
The 15th Annual Front Row Challenge and the 9th Annual Ultimate Challenge will be held Monday and Tuesday, August 9 and 10, 2010 at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Order your seats NOW by calling McTwo Promotions, Inc. at 515 957-0020. Visit www.OskyChallenges.com for further details.
Websites for the McCarl Gang!
Driverwebsites.com has developed websites for the McCarl boys. Check out www.TerryMcCarl.com, and check out www.AustinMcCarl.com and www.CarsonMcCarl.com!
In”Terry”gation
Jeffrey Swim asks: You have driven both wing and non wing sprints. How long does it take to adjust from driving a winged sprint on a regular basis to running a non wing?
Wishing you well and a speedy recovery!
TMAC Answers: It really depends on the track. On a shorter track, you have to really pitch it in the corner. At an Oskaloosa or Knoxville, it’s different. Going to the Chili Bowl in a heavy situation, you throw the car sideways. This year, we were really fast down there and I have to give Wayne Simmons credit. He knows what a wing driver needs in that thing, because he helped Wayne Johnson too. We won our heat and qualifier before breaking, and then we barely missed making the A on Saturday after starting in the D. I think if you’re a good racecar driver, you can race anything. I think Tony Stewart has proved that. I’ve seen him race many things with my own eyes and I think he’s incredible. He’s the best racecar driver I’ve seen, bar none!
Got a question for TMAC? Send it to us at sprntcar@iowatelecom.net, and we may answer it in this section! Put “? for TMAC” in your subject line.
This Week in TMAC History!
This week in 2001, TMAC was victorious at the Knoxville Raceway, besting Don Droud Jr., Kerry Madsen, Skip Jackson and Ricky Logan. The win at Mid-Season Championship night was $3,500. He won the track championship in a close battle with Droud that season on the strength of five wins.
Website Updates
Keep up to date with McCarl Motorsports at www.TerryMcCarl.com. We keep it fresh for TMAC fans!
“Tuesdays with TMAC”!
“Tuesdays with TMAC” is an up close and personal look at colorful sprint car veteran Terry McCarl. To receive “Tuesdays with TMAC”, send an e-mail to sprntcar@iowatelecom.net with “TMAC” in the subject line.
TMAC Motorsports would like to thank sponsors Big Game Treestands, AmeriCashAdvance.com, DeBerg Concrete, Remington Treestands and Rossie Feed and Grain.