|
CONGRATULATIONS
2007 SHENANDOAH SPEEDWAY LEGENDS CHAMPION AND ROOKIE OF THE YEAR!
On Saturday September 22, 2007, Tyler clinched the championship. Tyler was the fastest qualifier for a total of 4 poles this season. The 25-Lap Legends Feature ended with a victory by inches at the finish line in Tyler's favor. Tyler's goals for the season were accomplished. He set his mind to winning races, becoming a champion and achieving Rookie of the Year honors. A perfect ending to a super season for Tyler.
Stats for Shenandoah Speedway 2007 Season:
|
POLES
|
WINS
|
TOP 3'S
|
TOP 5'S
|
TOP 10'S
|
|
4
|
3
|
10
|
12
|
15
|
THANKS FROM THE DRIVER FOR A MEMORABLE 2007 RACING SEASON...
Most people look forward to the end of hot summer days, but not me. When summer ends that means that racing season is over for the year. 2007 has been filled with a lot of sleepless nights, a lot of hours my dad and I spent in the shop, and a lot of accomplishments made.
After spending all winter building two race cars, I couldn't wait for the 2007 racing season to begin. Before the season started, I wanted to set realistic goals for myself. Setting goals for myself was the easy part; achieving them wasn't so easy. The first goal was to win races and be competitive every race. I really wanted to win rookie-of-the-year, too since 2007 was my first full year season racing anything. I thought it was a stretch, but I wanted to win a championship at my home track. I figured if I could win races and consistently finish in the top 3 I could win a championship. As the season came and each race passed, I could see that the hours I'd spent committed to racing was paying off. There are lots of races that I can look back on now and see my improvement on the racetrack.
I have so many people that I am very thankful for. First I want to thank my mom, dad, and brother for giving up a lot so that I can race. My mom and dad have believed in me so much that they would do whatever it takes to give me the opportunity to race. They spend a lot of time helping me in the shop, taking care of all the details of the business side as well as all of the preparations on race day. My grandfather, Carlos Atkins, has been my biggest fan since I started racing. He has supported me in so many ways. He always comes to the racetrack in his "#7 Tyler Long" t-shirt and often brings his friends and some good food. I know he is proud of me, but it is his belief in me that makes me proud of him. There are two people that I'm especially grateful and extremely thankful for. Doc and J.D. Trenary are very special people. They shared their tremendous knowledge and passion for racing that compares to no one else I've ever met. I couldn't have asked for better people for guidance and coaching throughout the 2007 racing season. I'm very proud to know these two guys. I need to thank former NASCAR driver and mentor, Rick Mast, for taking the time to talk to a young kid about racing as a sport and career. He told me how it was, truthfully without all the hype. He's been a good advocate and good friend with encouraging words and support.
And finally the sponsors...The sponsors that I had this year supported me financially, but they also showed their support by showing up on race day. Thank you for allowing me to represent you and your businesses this year.
|
