Tyler Roahrig is set to return to winged asphalt sprint car competition this weekend, competing in the Must See Racing Sprint Series Presented by Engine Pro events this weekend in Michigan. The series will visit Birch Run Speedway on July 21 and Berlin Raceway the following day.
Roahrig is no stranger to winged competition. In fact, the Plymouth, Indiana native got his sprint car start running with a wing. In less than 20 starts, he picked up two victories before moving on to non-winged competition where he has been a terror. He currently has two Little 500 victories and counting.
It was announced last week that Roahrig would be driving the Ken Statham-owned No. 36 Hurricane chassis, previously driven by Troy DeCaire in the remainder of the year in MSR competition. Roahrig will make his debut for the Tampa, Florida based team this weekend.
“I like wing racing, but I’ve been so busy with other racing endeavors, and life in general outside of racing, and haven’t pursued it the last few seasons,” said Roahrig. “Either way you look at it, it’s a good deal for me. I get to drive a top-of-the-line car. Ken and Theresa Statham are great people. I got to spend the last week and a half with them. Hopefully this will lead to a successful relationship, and we can do some more racing together.
“I haven’t done a lot of winged racing lately but don’t feel any pressure,” Roahrig continued. “I know there are some good cars in Must See Racing. Jimmy McCune, Bobby Santos and Jason Blonde. These guys are good. Jason Blonde was winning when I was racing with the wings.”
Saturday’s Berlin Raceway might be his toughest weekend assignment. In addition to the MSR event, the 500 Sprint Car Tour will be on hand for a rare 410 sprint car winged and non-winged doubleheader. He will be competing in both events. He has won the last three 500SCT appearances at the track.
Roahrig doesn’t seem too concerned with the extra work he will have to do on Saturday night.
“I’ve got two great teams to do it with, and that will make things a lot easier. I’m sure it will be a little bit different,” Roahrig said. “My non-wing car has been good at Berlin so hopefully it won’t require a ton of attention. I know Bobby Santos is gonna be doing the same thing. It’s kinda cool. I’ve done two cars in the same day before.
“That’s one of my goals, to win two races in one day, with different cars. I’ve seen Kody Swanson and Bobby Sanros do it. If I could win both races on Saturday that would be incredible. I’m looking forward to this weekend.”