Kody Swanson Gets First 2010 USAC Western Sprint Win at Stockton 99 Speedway
- 25 May 2010
"Our focus for TK Motorsports is going to be the USAC National Pavement Sprint Car races in 2010, so I was competing for Harvest Supply Racing on a 'drive-for-hire' type basis, so it was their team, crew and car, and thus their win," explains Swanson. "My relationship with Carl Mott (owner of Harvest Supply), goes back to our first year in the USAC ranks, we competed with a motor that he was lending to us, so to win driving for him is a way for me to return the favor."
"Getting the first win early in the season is always a big plus in my book," says Swanson. "It feels good, because you almost validate yourself as a legitimate competitor, and then you can just focus on winning races from there on out." Swanson began racing in 2000, in the Junior Sprint Class. In 2002, he moved up to the Stock 600 class and began competing against adults and won his first Championship that year. Swanson won the Championship the next two years after that, and moved up to the USAC Western Sprint series, where he was crowned Rookie of the Year and Series Champion in 2005. In 2008 he competed full-time on the USAC National Midget tour, bringing home a victory from Kenly, North Carolina for car owner, Steve Lewis. After Lewis' Nine Racing operation closed down for 2009, Swanson's focus shifted to the USAC Silver Crown series, where driving for Team 6R Racing, he finished 5th in series points and earned the Rookie of the Year title last season. "One of my favorite accomplishments came at the end of 2006, when I won the Performance Racing Industry Sprint Classic in Orlando, Florida, driving my family's number 75 Sprint car," recalls Swanson. "It was really special to have my family team at the top of a national level event. As far as career goals, I'm open for anything. Many young drivers only look at NASCAR for their future, but I definitely wouldn't mind an opportunity in the IRL either. I just want to race, and I'm really not that picky about the circumstances." Swanson started his relationship with K&N while he was driving for Western Speed Racing at the end of 2006, in the USAC Midget division. "We won our first race together at Altamont Motorsports Park in September, and went on to sit on the pole of the prestigious Turkey Night Grand Prix at Irwindale, in our first attempt. That night, I led 80 laps and ran second in the 100-lap event." "At TK Motorsports we utilize the Carbon Fiber Sprint Air Box, as well as the high quality Wrench-Off oil filters that K&N has come out with. Harvest Supply Racing also used the Carbon Fiber Sprint Air Box during our feature winning run, so I'm happy to know that they too are getting the most out of their engine without sacrificing in terms of protection." "I really appreciate the relationship that I have with K&N Filters, because they provide a quality product and have supported me no matter whose car I'm driving, or what division it's in," surmises Swanson Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
