TK Motorsports' Kody and Tanner Swanson Look Ahead to 2014 USCA Midget Race Season
- Feb 20, 2014
At the time Tanner was 19, and he had just claimed the coveted "Night Before the 500," USAC National Midget title in his first attempt. Kody, his senior by three years, joined him on the third tier of the podium that night at O'Reilly Raceway Park. And the inspiration for that particular quote came from Kody's reaction to Tanner's mammoth victory. Kody was genuinely more moved for his younger sibling, than had he won the race himself. The bond between the two TK Motorsports drivers has continued to strengthen with the passing of the years, tested by challenges, and the uniquely accelerated pace of life that all racers most contend with. We spoke with Kody and Tanner about their 2013 season wrap-up and what we can look for from the two K&N stars in 2014. Looking back on 2013 what are some of the significant highlights, and perhaps moments you may not have seen coming, that stand out for each of you? Kody: "This past year I got the chance to work with some new teams, and was fortunate to meet some really great people. I felt like everyone that I worked with last year was really into the sport for the right reasons, and it was great to see their excitement when we ran well. Those people really made racing fun again, and made 2013 a special season for me. I think Tanner and I share one special moment from 2013, and that was sweeping the USAC Silver Crown race at Lucas Oil Raceway."
Tanner: "This year's Silver Crown race at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis was definitely a special moment. I had never driven for the Bowman/Canine Racing team before, so to pick up the win in my first start with them was special in itself. The fact that Kody finished 2nd, (making us the only brothers in history to have swept a USAC Silver Crown race, now twice), each driving for different teams, and teams that were new to both of us in 2013, just made it an incredible night, definitely something so awesome you never see it coming." What are the most important changes you made to your team, cars and racing schedule for 2014? Kody: "Probably the two biggest changes will be joining the DePalma Motorsports/ Radio Hospital No. 63 full-time on the USAC Silver Crown tour, and joining the RFMS Racing team in the USAC National Pavement Midget series. Last year, I pieced together my Silver Crown season driving for three different teams, including three races for the DePalma family on the pavement. We really worked well together, had some success, and I'm looking forward to competing for the series Championship with them this year. I'm just as excited to join Don Fike and the RFMS team for the National Pavement Midget series. I've raced against those guys for years, and I'm looking forward to the chance to work with them this season."
Tanner: "Not much is changing regarding my plans for 2014, but I think that it is a good thing. My schedule will be based primarily on the west coast, where I ran a lot of races for Bob Rosen last year, and we had some success together in USAC/BCRA Midgets. I also picked up a USAC Silver Crown event for the Bowman/Canine team, and hope to continue that in 2014 as well." What keeps you guys busy these days when you're not at the track racing? Kody: "Normally I'm working at Alt & Witzig Engineering out of Indianapolis, but when I'm not there, I'm usually at one of the team's shops. It seems like the off-seasons get shorter each year, so I'm happy to help get the ball rolling for 2014." Tanner: "I work full-time for Golden State Farm Credit as a Credit Analyst, but I also spend time working with my own graphics operation, the Top Shelf Design Company. Also, I will be getting married this coming April." Congratulations Tanner! Lastly, what are some of your race goals for 2014 and where does the season start for you guys? Kody: "With the opportunity to compete for two USAC Championships (Silver Crown & National Pavement Midget) this year, winning both of those will be the ultimate goal. On individual race level, the goal is always to win, that's the reason we race. My season will start with the USAC National Sprint Cars 'Winter Dirt Games' in Ocala, Florida, February 20-22." Tanner: "Since I won't be competing in any particular series for a points Championship, the only goals I'll have is to get the most out of each night, and ultimately striving to win each race. Where my season will start is still to be determined at this point, since the majority of the western states' schedules haven't been finalized." |
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