By T.J. Buffenbarger
The Michigan sprint car scene will have a familiar name in its ranks during the 2016 season. Travis LaCombe is making the move up from the modified division into a non-wing sprint car. LaCombe, son of former sprint car driver Spike LaCombe, confirmed his 2016 plans with us on Thursday. The move to sprint car racing comes after a short layoff from racing when LaCombe returned to run a modified in 2014.
“Sprint cars have always been what I wanted to race, since we stopped running the modified in 2006” said LaCombe. “I built and drove a Pro-Am Drift car and ran with Midwest Drift Union out of Indy, then go an opportunity to drive Dan Minikey’s modified in 2014 and 2015. Getting back on the dirt the last two years has really got me motivated to finally go out and buy a car.”
Minikey and sponsor Apex Competition Engines are moving up with LaCombe to support the effort that will be focused on the 2016 Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprints tour along with the occasional trip to Indiana. Joe will have plenty of people to lean on for experience between his Dad and family friend Joe Bares.
“Joe (Bares) has been a good friend for probably 20 years so we’ll be doing a lot racing with him.”
LaCombe has realistic expectations but seems excited about the prospect of moving into the sprint car ranks.
“I’m expecting a pretty steep learning curve next year, I know the sprint is going to be a whole new challenge but I have a huge knowledge base to pull from between my Dad and Joe. My dad is always supportive in the things I’m passionate about and I’m looking forward to getting him out to the track this year.”
Other notes…
- Silly season continued into Thursday with Paul McMahan confirming on his Facebook page that he will not return to CJB Motorsports in 2016. McMahan and CJB are going to wrap up their third season together next weekend in Charlotte during the World of Outlaws World Finals. At this point no official word on where McMahan may be headed or who will replace him in the seat for 2016.
- Jimmy McCune will try to continue his best career season in South Africa. McCune left today on what was originally slated as a family vacation to visit friends and evolved into McCune making a sprint car start November 7th at Pietersburg. McCune has 11 feature wins so far this calendar year.