Tuesdays with TMAC – Eldora Trip Worthwhile!
(Bill W) May 7, 2013 – When Knoxville Raceway rained out, Eldora Speedway near Rossburg, Ohio became the nearest destination for Terry McCarl and the TMAC Motorsports #24 team. With a little persuasion from a friend, he decided to make the trip and qualified for both World of Outlaws feature events. The Outlaws come to the Midwest and TMAC will take them on Friday at Elko Speedway near New Market, Minnesota and Saturday at Knoxville.
The Altoona, Iowa driver was once one to beat at the fast high-banked half-mile in Ohio. “We were really fast at Eldora in 2009,” says TMAC. “I had run second a lot of times there. We were finally able to win there during Ohio Speedweek from the sixth row. Then we were able to win the “Knight Before the King’s Royal”. We went out late in the King’s Royal, to qualify, and qualified well. We had to run the B. We started 22nd, but I’m telling you, if it hadn’t laid rubber, I think we had a shot at winning it. As it was, it did, and we were able to get to fifth. We had the fall race handled there and blew a tire.”
TMAC’s injury in 2010 and the switch to Goodyear tires changed things. “That was really the last time I went there,” he says. “I went back a year or so ago, and I was out to lunch on the Goodyears. It was good to get back there. Anyone who wins there earns it. It’s a tough joint to win. When you can conquer it, it’s a great feeling.”
So what brought on the decision to head to Eldora? “I have to admit, I wasn’t that excited about going,” says TMAC. “My confidence was down about running there. Ryan Yager, my friend, said he’d drive and he bought the fuel for us to go. I wouldn’t have gone, but I’m really happy we did. Our results weren’t exactly what we were looking for, but I can’t wait to go back. I know the next time we go, we’ll do a lot better. I shook some cobwebs off that I had since my injury.”
TMAC finished 17th on Friday and 15th on Saturday. “We made the show both nights with a lot of great cars there,” he says. “We need to qualify better, or you’re behind the 8-ball.”
TMAC gained steam as the weekend went. “Friday, we came from 21st to 17th,” he says. “The second day, I was able to pass a lot of cars early (after starting 23rd). I was just kind of tight and running the bottom. I was up to sixteenth early and I got chopped off pretty hard. I ended up getting back up to fifteenth. I’m excited to go back.”
The track proved racy both nights. “It’s such a fun track to run,” says TMAC. “They did a really nice job with the track. The racing was excellent both days, and our good friend, Daryn Pittman was able to win. My confidence is back there, and I can’t wait to go back. I’m glad we went.”
This weekend’s events at Elko Speedway and Knoxville Raceway will be followed up by the season opener at Huset’s Speedway near Brandon, South Dakota making for a three-race weekend. “I’m excited,” says TMAC. “People from Justice Brothers, and the guys from SnowPlow Snow Pushers will be there. The Elko facility is so cool. I recommend that any fan go there. The pits are all concrete. The grandstands are so nice, and behind them, they have a restaurant and sports bar. It’s just a fun place. It’s easy to get to…right off the interstate.”
To check out opportunities to partner with TMAC Motorsports on a nightly basis, visit www.TerryMcCarl.com or call 515 957-0020!
Category: Driver Updates, Terry McCarl
