SPEEDWAY, IN (June 15, 2026) — Zachary Tinkle will return to one of the most meaningful tracks of his racing career when he competes in the Herr’s Snacks 200 at Berlin Raceway on June 20. The event marks the first race for Tinkle Family Racing, with Tinkle serving as a driver/owner and receiving support from Racing Resources and Empire Racing.
The race carries special significance for Tinkle, who will return to the No. 53 for the first time in several years. The number was synonymous with his rise through the grassroots racing ranks, appearing on his Mini Cup and Late Model entries from 2014 through 2021.
Berlin Raceway is also where Tinkle made his first ARCA start in 2021. Earlier that year, Tinkle stepped away from racing after his father suffered a stroke, believing his racing career was over. That changed when veteran car owner Wayne Peterson called and offered him the opportunity to drive for Wayne Peterson Motorsports at Berlin.
This opportunity launched Tinkle’s ARCA career. Later that season, he also filled in for Tim Richmond Motorsports after Tim Richmond suffered a broken leg at Michigan International Speedway. Following the season, Tinkle established the Zachary Tinkle Foundation after fans rallied around him through a GoFundMe campaign that helped him complete a season he never expected to finish. Inspired by the support he received and grateful for the opportunity to continue competing when he thought his driving career had ended, Tinkle began using motorsports as a platform to give back, eventually creating the Racing for Rescues® initiative to support animal welfare organizations.
The No. 53 will feature the newly unveiled Racing for Rescues® logo, reflecting the recent registration of Racing for Rescues as an official trademark of the Zachary Tinkle Foundation. Additional partners appearing on the car include BTT Consulting, Left Paw Press, and the Pet Fashion Guild.
Adam Murphy will serve as crew chief for Tinkle Family Racing’s debut effort.
“First, I want to thank Adam Murphy, everyone at Racing Resources and Empire Racing, David Lewis at Robert Yates Racing, and Wayne Peterson, who has continued to support me and has been instrumental over the past several months in helping make this opportunity possible,” said Tinkle. “Berlin has always been a special place to me. The fans bring so much energy, and it’s where I made my first ARCA start in 2021.”
“I’m excited to bring the No. 53 back to the racetrack and make the first start for Tinkle Family Racing. What makes this special is to have a few longtime friends with me. My fueler Dallas and I go all the way back to my Mini Cup days, and he was there for my first race with Wayne Peterson. John Stapleton has been with me since my Late Model days and has worked on almost every ARCA race I’ve run. Having those guys alongside me for this race means a lot.”
Murphy is looking forward to the opportunity to work with Tinkle in his first race atop the pit box as crew chief.
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know Zachary and am looking forward to being on top of the box as his crew chief,” Murphy said. “I’ve watched him race for years and have a lot of respect for what he’s accomplished. After getting to know him over the last couple of months, I’m excited to work together and see what we can accomplish at Berlin.”
The Herr’s Snacks 200 will take place Friday, June 20, at Berlin Raceway. The race is scheduled for 200 laps (88 miles) and will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the event live on FS2.
About Zachary Tinkle/ Tinkle Family Racing
Tinkle Family Racing was started in 2014 to support the racing career of driver Zachary Tinkle. After setting several records for his previous team with 4th place ARCA East Championship finishes in 2023 and 2024 and 3rd in 2025, Tinkle is now the driver/owner of the #53 Toyota Camry in select ARCA races in the 2026 season. He is the 2023 General Tire Spirit Award recipient. Prior to ARCA, Tinkle won multiple late model championships and awards. Through the Zachary Tinkle Foundation, he supports many worthy causes including pet rescue and reading efforts.