From Inside Line Promotions
– LUFKIN, Texas (April 4) – From jubilation to dejection, Channin Tankersley crawled out of his mangled sprint car on Friday night.
The 20-year-old from Highlands, Texas, had just driven from the back to the lead at Heart O’Texas Speedway in Waco, Texas, in search of his first ASCS Gulf South Region win of the season. Unfortunately, a lapped car ended that impending outcome with only a handful of laps remaining.
“We had that won,” Tankersley said. “The lapped car had a flat or something, so I shot down to the bottom. I barely caught him with the right rear and it sent me for a ride.”
Not only did Tankersley drop from a potential win to the 17th-place finish, but the wreck destroyed his car. In fact, it’s easier to report the list of parts that are still usable – the engine, rear end, tail tank and steering gear.
And to top it off, Tankersley was one of the few drivers who was able to pass on the challenging track. After starting fourth, Tankersley drove up to third place before spinning out. Restarting in the back on a track that everyone was running the bottom, Tankersley utilized the rough high line.
“Everyone was down there putting through the bottom,” he said. “I was baja-ing through the ruts.”
Tankersley caught up to Aaron Reutzel and Brandon Berryman for a three-way battle for the lead with approximately 10 laps remaining. The trio traded the top spot for a handful of laps before Tankersley was able to pull away. However, only three laps later, the crash ended his night within several laps of the victory.
Sponsor Bruce Griffith let Tankersley use his car for Saturday’s ASCS Gulf South race at Speedarama Raceway in Lufkin, Texas, where an ill-handling car led to another 17th-place finish.
“It was about like driving a dump truck all night,” Tankersley said. “Tight, tight, tight. We could not get that thing looser at all.
“All in all, not a very good weekend.”
Tankersley is taking this weekend off before returning to the track April 15 at Golden Triangle Raceway Park in Beaumont, Texas, and April 16 at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas, with the ASCS Gulf South.
QUICK RESULTS –
April 1 – Heart O’Texas Speedway in Waco, Texas – Heat race: 1 (3); Feature: 17 (4).
April 2 – Speedarama Raceway in Lufkin, Texas – Heat race: 7 (6); B Main: 5 (13); Feature: 17 (19).
SEASON STATS –
5 races, 4 features, 0 wins, 0 top fives, 0 top 10s, 1 top 15, 4 top 20s
UP NEXT –
April 15 at Golden Triangle Raceway Park in Beaumont, Texas, and April 16 at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas, with the ASCS Gulf South Region
FAVORITE NUMBER –
10: The position Tankersley ranks in the ASCS Gulf South Region.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS –
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tankersley71
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT – Griffith Truck & Equipment
Located in Channelview, Texas, Griffith Truck & Equipment buys and sells specialty trucks and heavy equipment, including utility trucks, yardmules, truck tractors and trailers to name a few. For more information, visit www.griffithtruck.com.
“Bruce Griffith pretty much started my sprint car racing career and he put me on the ASCS National Tour in 2010,” Tankersley said. “Griffith Truck & Equipment has been a huge support for me the past few years and I recommend for anyone interested in trucks and heavy equipment, check out Griffith Truck & Equipment.”
Tankersley would like to thank his sponsors, including Custom Vinyl Designs and Miller’s Machine & Welding for their continued support.