Tinkle Family Racing, with driver Zachary Tinkle, made the trip to Anderson Speedway Saturday for the biggest event of the season for the Anderson Speedway McGunegill Engine Performance Late Model series on the fast ¼ mile track at Anderson Speedway. Tinkle was coming off his first ever late model win in that division on May 18th and a second-place finish in the series last event on June 8th.
Zachary ‘s Crew Chief Danny Trent and driver coach Brandon Grant had once again given Zachary a very competitive race car which showed in the Saturday afternoon practice sessions. In qualifying Zachary was second fastest, his personal best qualifying time at Anderson, just .0028 behind Fast Qualifier Jeff Marcum.
Zachary and his crew knew this would be one of the most grueling events at Anderson this season, with the event being 100 laps, the longest and highest paying event on the McGunegill Engine Performance Late Model series 2019 schedule.
Zachary had a fast car and was ready to battle for the win but had to make a pit stop under a yellow flag to get some work done to his car during the feature event. That put him in catchup mode to try and track down leader Marcum, who was setting a blistering pace. Zachary ran out of laps, but still took home a great second place finish to winner Marcum, those two were the only on the lead lap at the end of 100 laps.
“We were hopeful during the race but had some issue that caused me to pit under caution,” remarked Zachary. “The team did a good job and got the car in great shape, but we just couldn’t make up the ground to take the checkered flag. Even though we didn’t get the rifle trophy, we were the real winners thanks to the fans in the stands. I appreciate every one that shook my hand and asked for an autograph after the race. If it weren’t for them supporting short tracks like Anderson Speedway, drivers like me wouldn’t get to live their dreams. I want to thank all my sponsors for their support and my crew for all their hard work this weekend!”
Zachary maintained his lead in the Anderson Speedway McGunegill Engine Performance Late Models season points after Saturday night’s event, he is 48 points ahead of Marcum.
Next Event: Vore’s Welding CRA Late Model Sportsman Series Raintree 100 Triple Crown event on Sunday, June 30th at Mt. Lawn Speedway.