Sophomore Tyler Kuykendall, also known as Turbo Tyler, ended his 2023 season with a win at I-44 Riverside in Oklahoma City with Non-wing micro sprints. Kuykendall participates in 60-80 races per season while managing his schoolwork. Tyler has always found a thrill in driving. “I get hyped up before the race to make my mindset ready to go.” Kuykendall said.
Kuykendall has a fantastic team that ensures he performs at his best and has all his gear prepared. Team member Heath Kuykendall, better known as “Uncle,” is one of his biggest supporters. He is in charge of making sure his car is clean between races, has tear-offs on his helmet, and is comfortable in his car each time he goes out.
“Tyler is so confident in what he is doing. He is a true racer. He can go big-time in racing. Like we always say, ‘We have a million-dollar driver.’ He is the real deal,” Heath Kuykendall said.
Tyler Kuykendall started riding 4-wheelers at three years old and was rock climbing a full-size Jeep Cherokee at age 7. He began racing go-karts shortly after that. He has started running against competitors that are two to three times his age, making it more challenging for him to get his win.
Tyler’s 2023 season ended in 38 and 80. On Oct. 13, Tyler won his second feature at the Oklahoma City, OK, for the POWRi Non-Wing Micro League. Tyler is now preparing for the 2024 season; his dad, TJ Kuykendall, has been helping Tyler prepare for the new season.
“His cars are torn down, washed, and maintained when we get home after the races and ready for the next race, which he is very involved in,” TJ Kuykendall said.
Tyler is going to start the new 2024 season off next spring; He will be driving for a car owner in Illinois and starting his rookie season in a Dirt late model with an 850 plus horsepower engine. They are built in California, but the team also gets stuff shipped here to make them Dirt late models and micro sprints.
Tyler has learned how to speak for an interview in front of a crowd, mechanical skills, self-discipline, sportsmanship, and how to market himself to potential sponsors.
“It takes time and effort, but you gotta set your mind to it,” Tyler Kuykendall said.
