Tinkle Filling In At DuQuoin State Fairgrounds – A Track With Personal Ties
Today, the entry list was published for the Sunday, September 5th race at the historic DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in the Southern Illinois 100 presented by Lucas Oil. On that list, Zachary Tinkle was listed in the #27 car for car owner David Richmond. Wayne Peterson, who Zachary has raced for in four ARCA starts this year will serve as crew chief. Tinkle is filling in for regular ARCA driver Tim Richmond, who suffered injuries as a result of a major wreck at Michigan International Speedway in August.
Tinkle said, “I am really sorry that Tim is injured and can’t race. I know it’s disappointing he isn’t experiencing the family time with Dave and the team at the race track in the same way now. Racing has always been a family thing for me and my parents so I empathize. I hope he recovers quickly and can get back in the seat as soon as possible. It’s a real honor that they thought of me and asked me to fill in for Tim. I hope to make the team proud and am excited for the opportunity.”
The famed DuQuoin State Fairgrounds track has personal ties for Tinkle. It is the track where he saw his first live ARCA race in 2013. Tinkle commented, “I specifically remember being there because Frank Kimmel was racing and had 79 wins, going for 80 because that would put him in the lead for the most wins in history. It’s also really cool that Ken Schrader was in that race and now I’ll be on the track at the same time as him.”
There is also another reason that the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds track has meaning for Tinkle. His great-great grandfather, Harry McQuinn, was a Director of Competition for USAC that raced at DuQuoin. Zachary’s father, Brad Tinkle, found a photo taken at DuQuoin State Fairgrounds where Harry is pictured presenting a trophy to the race winner. That photo was taken exactly 56 years prior on September 5, 1965.
Zachary remarked, “I’ve raced at tracks where Harry raced and officiated, but this is going to be surreal to know that he was there on the exact same day decades earlier. It’s been a tough year for my family. As many people know, I didn’t know a couple months ago when I’d ever be racing again. Finding this photo feels like having confirmation that I’m right where I’m meant to be in life and racing at this moment in time.”
The Southern Illinois 100 presented by Lucas Oil is scheduled for 9 PM CST on Sunday, September 5, 2021. It will be broadcast on MAVTV and NBC Sports Gold Track Pass.