Fifteen-year old dirt modified driver Tyler Dippel will be making his ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards debut behind the wheel for Lira Motorsports in the Allen Crowe 100 this weekend. The young driver from Wallkill, New York brings years of dirt racing success to the one-mile clay oval at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
“Although I’m used to racing on dirt, this will be a totally new experience for me and I’m really excited to get behind the wheel of the Lira Motorsports ARCA car,” Dippel stated. “It seems surreal, but I know as soon as I get in the car all of that will change.”
Tyler’s dirt racing career began with Slingshot race cars – scaled-down versions of Dirt Modified cars – at the age of seven. Over a three year period, he won multiple races, culminating with the 2010 National Slingshot Junior Championship. He transitioned from the Slingshots to Big Block Modifieds, as well as full size stock cars on asphalt in Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Super Late Model competition. As a rookie, he held the PASS National points lead throughout the entire year until the very last race, when he was sidelined by a transmission issue. He finished in the runner up position in PASS National points standings, and in 4th in the PASS South Series standings.
Tyler is joining Lira Motorsports, a multi-car team in its first year of ARCA Racing competition, that has captured a total of 14 top ten finishes including one win (Chicagoland, June 12th) thus far this year. Tyler will drive for the team at both dirt races on the ARCA schedule, following up his debut at the Allen Crowe 100 in August with the Southern Illinois 100 at DuQuoin State Fairgrounds onSeptember 7th.
“I’m so grateful to Mr. Lira for giving me this awesome opportunity to join his team for these races and to work with him and his team for my ARCA debut,” Dippel concluded. “I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone! I can’t wait to get to Springfield and get on the track!”
The race will be live on the CBS Sports Network. Additionally, ARCAracing.com will feature live timing and scoring of all on-track activity and a live chat box throughout the afternoon.
