– It was an unforgettable weekend for Tyler “Sunshine” Courtney, driver of the 23c TOPP Motorsports sprint car, and the entire TOPP Motorsports team as they raced to victory lane at Gas City I- 69 Speedway in the opening race of Indiana Sprint Week with the USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series. The TOPP Motorsports team, based out of Rochester, Indiana, is participating in the Indiana Sprint Week series for the first time.
The week-long event kicked off at Gas City I-69 Speedway where Courtney not only took first place for the night, bringing home the first TOPP Motorsports first place finish this season, but also was awarded the KSE Racing Products/B&W Auto Mart “Hard Charger Award.” After a spin-out on the first lap of the race sent Courtney from the starting 16th position to the 24th position in the pack, he managed to work his way to the front of the line, earning the award. Although a seasoned driver with the series, this win also marks Courtney’s first ever win with the USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series.
“We are absolutely thrilled to bring home our very first win with Tyler Courtney,” said Kevin Birchmeier, owner of TOPP Motorsports. “Starting from the back of the pack and working his way to the front just shows the talent and determination that Tyler has. We recognized the talent that Sunshine has right away and we’re proud to have him on our team,” said Birchmeier.
The second round of the series took place at Courtney’s favorite track, Kokomo Speedway, on Saturday night. While the team didn’t get a first place finish in the feature, Courtney earned Fast Qualifying time and ended the night with a 7th place finish.
Lawrenceburg Speedway hosted the third round of the series on Sunday where Courtney, again, found himself battling for the first place finish in the feature. While he wasn’t able to pull out a win, Courtney finished second, keeping him a top the points for the week-long series.
With three of the seven races completed, Courtney is the point leader of the Indiana Sprint Week series by 20 points and has remained on top since the series began on Friday.
“It’s really exciting to keep going with the momentum that we’ve got right now,” said Courtney. “My grandpa (former Lincoln Park Speedway owner Mike Farrar) was a huge part of starting Indiana Sprint Week when it originated, so to get my first USAC win during Sprint Week just makes it that much more special. We’re excited to finish out the rest of the week and hopefully continue on top,” Courtney said.
Next up for the team are the final four races of the Indiana Sprint Week series this week with Terre Haute Action Track in Terre Haute on Wednesday, Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville on Thursday, Bloomington Speedway in Bloomington on Friday and Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt on Saturday.
This is the 29th edition of Indiana Sprint Week, which features seven races at different dirt tracks around the state.
TOPP Motorsports not only was founded locally, but has deep roots in Indiana. Founder and owner, Kevin Birchmeier, is from Plymouth and also is President and CEO of TOPP Industries in Rochester. The crew chief for the team, Mark Shambarger, is from Rochester and driver Tyler Courtney hails from Indianapolis.
About TOPP Motorsports TOPP Motorsports, LLC, a division of TOPP Industries, Inc, was established in 2015. The organization is owned and operated by TOPP Industries President and CEO, Kevin Birchmeier, who has always had a passion for racing. After attending the World of Outlaws Nationals with TOPP as the title sponsor for Tyler Courtney’s 23c wing sprint car in October 2015, Birchmeier’s drive for the sport increased exponentially. Combining his business success with the desire to be involved with talented drivers and dirt track racing, Birchmeier launched the TOPP Motorsports division in late 2015. In addition to Tyler Courtney, the team also includes brother racing duo Eric and Garrett Saunders. The team participates in the World of Outlaws Wing Sprint Series, the All-Star Circuit of Champions Wing Sprint Series, The United States Auto Club (USAC) Non-Wing Sprint Series and the DIRTcar Pro-Sprint Car Series.
