Des Moines, IA (October 3, 2018) – The season is done for the TKS Motorsports team and Austin McCarl, though the list of accomplishments is long. In only their second full year working together, Austin McCarl and the Troy & Tammy Renfro-owned team finished atop the podium, claiming the 2018 Knoxville Raceway Track Championship in the 410 division, as well as scoring four wins at the famed half-mile.
Troy recognized that the team’s growth in the second year with Austin in the driver’s seat led to the season of strong and consistent performance. “I think our first year together gave Austin the chance to get used to our equipment, then this year he really came into his own,” said Troy.
It wasn’t just the familiarity with the equipment that benefitted McCarl and the TKS team in year two, but also the strong communication between driver and owner. “Troy and I have definitely gotten to the point where we understand each other well, and it showed in our results,” said Austin.
The owner of the Casey’s General Stores/Midwest Basement Systems #2KS added a bit of color to Austin’s remarks. “My wife and crew have a habit of saying about me that ‘There’s the right way, the wrong way, and then there’s Troy’s way,’” said Troy. “Though I think Austin’s good for me and I’ve been good for him; I’m a bit of an older guy and he’s still pretty young, so we bring different things to the table.”
Ending the season with four victories at Knoxville, the first was the sweetest, as it was Austin’s first. “It was an amazing feeling to get my first win at Knoxville,” said Austin. “It definitely felt good to back it up right away the following week and show that it wasn’t just a one-time thing.”
While it was not his first, the opening night victory was special for Renfro and the TKS team. “I was happier for Austin to pick up his first win than anything,” said Troy. “I’ve watched him grow as a racecar driver and to see it show with the wins we picked up this year, especially the first, it meant a lot to Tammy and I.”
When it came down to it, both driver and owner had the same succinct answer regarding their season: “It was a great year,” said both Troy & Austin.
Now that the action on the track is complete, planning is the name of the game for the TKS Motorsports squad. “Our focus will be on Knoxville again next year, with the hope to travel more if we’re able,” said Troy.
Though the 2018 season is complete, the 2019 season will be here before you know it! TKS Motorsports has numerous sponsorship opportunities available for next season and you can secure your spot on the car now, whether that be for a race or the full season. Join the great group of partners listed below!
The Renfros: Troy, Tammy, Katelyn, and Sydney, would like to thank Austin and all of the crew: Jonathan, Parker, and Brad for their hard work this season!
TKS Motorsports is thankful for the support from all of their loyal sponsors:
Casey's General Stores, Des Moines Industrial Products (DMIP), Midwest Basement Systems, Neumann Brothers Construction, AFA Wheels, AL Driveline, All Star Performance, AO Designs, ATL Racing Fuel Cells, Aurora Rod Ends, Billy Bell House Moving, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Butlerbuilt, Chalk Stix Torsion Bars, Fibreworks Composites, Gail Dielman, Hoosier, HRP, Indy Race Parts, Justice Brothers, KSE Racing Products, Liberty Ready Mix, Mag Tech Ignition, Maxim Racing Chassis, Parker Performance, PennGrade Motor Oil, Schoenfeld Headers, Slade Shock Technology, Snyder Landscaping & Lawn Care, Tony Moro Collision Center, Tony Moro Powdercoating & Sandblasting, Top Flight Wings, Walker Filtration Systems, Webb Family Farms, Wilwood, and Winters Performance Products.
Photo Credit: Knoxville Raceway
Morgan Broeg
broegracewriting@gmail.com
West Des Moines, IA USA
Twitter: @BroegW