Published: February 05, 2008 11:50 pm            

de la BASTIDE: Tyler lands ARCA ride

Bud Shootout on tap on Saturday

A familiar name to open wheel racing fans in central Indiana is that of Brian Tyler, who has deserved a shot to display his talents at the next level for many years.

Tyler is a two-time United States Auto Club sprint car champion, captured the Pay Less Little 500 in 2006, competed with the Indy Racing League but has been unable to get the attention and recognition he deserves.

His two sprint car national championships came while driving for Anderson-based Contos Racing.

I can remember when Tyler was named to drive the IRL entry for Pelfrey Motor Sports at the season opening event at Disney World Speedway in the mid-1990’s. Tyler showed up to find a car that was still being constructed, but still managed to qualify for the race and at least made it competitive.

The team owner indicated that Tyler would be the driver for the remainder of the season, but that all changed when P.J. Jones stepped forward with checkbook in hand to secure the ride.

A quiet, soft spoken driver, Tyler just has that ability to get the most out of whatever equipment he belted into.

It was announced recently that Tyler will be competing with the ARCA RE/MAX Series in 2008 for a newly formed team. Veteran Dave Smith will be turning the wrenches on the Toyota Camry.

In a limited number of ARCA starts, Tyler has recorded two top-five finishes in only six appearances, including a second place at Berlin Raceway and capturing the pole at the Duquoin State Fairgrounds.

“It’s great to be back in ARCA,” Tyler said. “Our Toyota Camry test went well in Talladega. If we can take what we’ve learned and make it work in Daytona, we might surprise some of the ARCA regulars.”

There are plenty of big names looking to make an impression in Saturday’s Daytona 200 that will be broadcast at 4 p.m. on The Speed Channel. Former Formula One competitor Scott Speed is entered along with Dario Franchitti, who is making the move from the IRL to Sprint Cup this year.

The ARCA regulars entered include Bobby Gerhart, who has won numerous times at Daytona, defending champion Frank Kimmel, Dexter Bean, former ARCA champion Bill Baird, Greg Sacks and Jeremy Clements.

There is always plenty of excitement when ARCA runs at Daytona.

Later that evening the Bud Shootout will take place on the Fox Network starting at 8 p.m. The field consists of the pole winners in 2007 and past shoot-out winners. The format is a 20 lap segment followed by a 50-lap dash to the finish.

Eligible drivers include Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Ryan Newman, Kurt Busch, Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mark Martin, Dale Jarrett, Bill Elliott and Ken Schrader.

It will be Little E’s first competition with Hendrick Motorsports and Stewart’s first effort in a Toyota.

The Bud Shootout could be a good indication of whether or not the Camry will be competitive this season and what fans can expect from the Car of Tomorrow (brick on wheels) for the remainder of the season.

Ken de la Bastide can be reached at (765) 454 -8580 or via e-mail at ken.delabastide@kokomotribune.com

        

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