A theme paying homage to “The Mandalorian” graces the rear of the modified raced by Tyler Wilson. While the TV show that takes place in the Star Wars universe may get your attention, Wilson’s lack of a spoiler should, too. At the Bristol Dirt Nationals, that typically indicates Wilson uses a built engine.
“I brought a built motor for this race, but blew it up [during practice],” said Wilson, of Little Suamico, Wisconsin. “We believe it leaned out on fuel and melted a piston. So, we changed [the engine] and put the crate in.”
Those running Chevrolet Performance crate engines can use a spoiler. Many of those racers took advantage of that at Bristol. While Wilson brought a spoiler, he didn’t add it on.
“We left the spoiler off, because there’s no [time] you’re off the gas — you’re on the gas all the time,” Wilson said. “Typically, you need the spoiler for downforce, for grip, but with the way the corners are, the G-forces stick the car to the track. We left it off because we don’t want any drag at all.”
At Bristol, the G-forces feel quite different than those Wilson typically experiences at a trio of Wisconsin tracks he frequents — 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Outagamie Speedway in Seymour, and Shawano Speedway.
“[Usually], you get sucked to the side of your seat,” said Wilson. “At this [track], you get sucked down into the seat.”
Wilson runs the number K9, but not necessarily for his love of dogs.
“K9 is my favorite poker hand — king, nine,” Wilson said. “I love poker. It’s another favorite hobby of mine.”
At Bristol, would Wilson rather be lucky than good?
“Good,” said Wilson. “I started eighth [in the heat race] — I wasn’t very lucky getting my draw number.”
Tyler Wilson backed up his statement. He won that heat race on Monday. He finished 10th in the feature on Tuesday, but did so on seven cylinders. That engine broke a lifter and a pushrod disappeared. Unfortunately, that marked the end of his Bristol Dirt Nationals weekend.
The Outside Groove Executive Editor has covered motorsports since 2000. His many awards include the 2019 Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) Jim Hunter Writer of the Year and the 2013 Russ Catlin Award for Excellence in Motorsports Journalism.
