Tyler Courtney is putting a wing on his car.
That’s right, the 2019 USAC Midget and 2018 USAC non-wing sprint car champion is headed to the Ollie’s All Star Circuit of Champions to compete for the series title in 2021.
This comes a season after Courtney committed himself to running a plethora of winged races in 2020, totaling 28 events across the World of Outlaws and All Star Circuit, along with some one offs in Ohio and at Knoxville.
“I’m excited to start this next chapter in my career,” Courtney said in a release. “It’s going to be a challenge, but one that we are ready for. I feel like we learned a lot in 2020 to help us be prepared to compete for the All Star Championship in 2021. Being able to take this next step with NOS Energy Drink and Clauson Marshall Racing is awesome because both companies have always had my back, and I’m glad that they believe in me enough to make this jump. We have a great team assembled and we can’t wait to get going in January.”
Courtney got his start in USAC success with Clauson Marshall Racing and looks to continue it throughout another year.
The No. 7BC will be rolling through the tour once again.
“As a short track open wheel team we are continually looking for ways to grow our company, build our brand and provide the best marketing opportunities for our partners in short track racing,” CMR co-owner Tim Clauson said in the release. “The growth and popularity of winged 410 sprint car racing and particularly the All Star Circuit of Champions provides us the perfect opportunity to do that.”
The end goal for Courtney and company may be the World of Outlaws tour, which runs about 20-30 more races a season than the All Star Circuit that he’ll be running this year.
“Looking at the growth of this segment of the sport, it appears that 410 winged sprint car racing is becoming a destination and not a steppingstone to somewhere else,” Clauson said. “At the end of the day, we want to compete at the highest level of the sport, and this is another step towards that goal. We are proud to do this with a driver in Tyler Courtney and a partner in NOS Energy Drink who have been a part of CMR since the beginning. Tyler has been successful in every venue we have competed in and it’s truly an honor to take this next step with him behind the wheel.”
The move comes after Courtney narrowly missed a third USAC championship in 2020.
Co-owner Richard Marshall believes that Courtney proved his worth.
“When a driver wins two championships and 50 races for your company in near record time, then asks for help chasing his dreams… this move is the easiest decision we have ever made,” Marshall said. “I am excited as a race fan more than anything to see Sunshine tackle this new challenge, and I’m proud to have a front-row seat. I can’t wait to get to Florida.”
NOS Energy Drink is joining Courtney once again to sponsor his ride in the series.
“NOS Energy is proud to continue our sponsorship of Tyler Courtney and excited to see what he does next season in the All Star Circuit of Champions Series,” NOS Energy Marketing Director Lauren Albano said. “It’s a great opportunity for us both as it gives NOS presence in the growing All Star Series and allows Tyler a chance to run with some of the best on dirt. We’re looking forward to a great year and continued partnership.”
Courtney will be participating in the Chili Bowl in mid January, but his winged season will kick off on the weekend of January 29 as the Ollie’s All Star Circuit of Champions opens the year at Screven Motor Speedway in Sylvania, Georgia.
