Archive for category: Tyler Ross

Tyler Ross has found his rhythm in race trim over the past two weeks, picking up three straight top-ten finishes and four in his last five outings across stops at Lincoln Speedway and Selinsgrove Speedway. 

The team has passed a combined 21 cars in A-main competition over that stretch — including a run from 20th to 10th at Lincoln Speedway — proof the speed is there. 

The one piece still nagging at Tyler: qualifying.

A Quick Trip Back to a 410 Pays Off at Selinsgrove

Tyler had been looking forward to getting back into a 410 at Selinsgrove Speedway, and the August 30th visit didn’t disappoint. Leaning on notes from a previous run there in the No. 75 car, Tyler qualified 3rd overall, started 4th and finished 5th in his heat, then started 4th and drove to a 3rd-place finish in the A-main.

“We timed good, managed through the heat race, and missed the setup a little for the A-main,” Tyler said.

“We got a little help with the crash that took out two of the leaders, but I was able to pass a couple cars under green. The open red helped, and we made some adjustments and got better.”

Tyler noted Selinsgrove demands running up against the fence to find speed, and it took him a few laps to readjust to that style.

“We were pretty good this time, but I’m looking forward to coming back, because now we know what we need to be really good,” he said.

The team expects to return to Selinsgrove in October.

A Familiar Story at Lincoln Speedway

Tyler made three trips to Lincoln Speedway during the stretch — August 29th, September 5th, and September 6th — and the same story played out each time. Qualifying never put him better than 10th, and one night he rolled off 20th of 30 cars, but Tyler and the team quietly went to work from there. 

Strong runs through the heats set up a starting spot in the A-main, and from there Tyler methodically sliced through the field each night, closing out with a 10th, a 10th, and an 11th — three straight top-ten-caliber runs built on nothing but hard-earned forward progress.

“To be honest, we suck early in the nights,” Tyler said with a laugh.

“We had a midseason lull where we couldn’t pass anyone, but now we’ve got our race trim back to where it was earlier in the year.“

The Qualifying Question

Starting further back has become the recurring theme of Tyler’s season, and he’s the first to admit it.

“I time-trial good at Selinsgrove, but historically I’ve struggled in qualifying, even back to my start in smaller cars,” he said.

“We’re working hard to figure it out, but I think it might mostly be my — our — mentality. We lost confidence in our qualifying program. We have speed, and the car races well. If we can qualify better and start closer to the front, we know we can run up there and contend for wins.”

As a driver, Tyler said he actually relishes the challenge of time trials — chasing every tenth of a second the car has to give.  He isn’t worried about making bold changes to the qualifying setup at the expense of his race-night speed.

“It’s possible to take big swings at the qualifying setup and go back to our known race trim. That isn’t an issue, but we have to find the right changes to make for qualifying.”

The bigger challenge, he said, is translating notes from track to track.

“We’re not making speed down the straightaways. It could be a motor tuning thing, could be our corner exit setup, could be our corner entry setup, could be my driving style on entry or exit.”

“When the track slows down, our straightaway speed improves. It’s tough when you’re really close — I’d rather be a full second off quick time than one-tenth of a second. It’s easier to make big adjustments to find a second than it is to figure out how to gain one tenth. That could be the car, or it might just be a small adjustment by the driver, like when I lift or when I get back on the gas in the corner.”

Why the Top Tens Matter

Beyond the standings, Tyler pointed to the practical side of consistent finishes.

“We have great partners who make this possible, but getting top tens helps keep the team going — it helps pay the weekly expenses,” he said.

“I respect everyone who is out there racing.  It’s a tough deal all around but especially financially.  I’m not sure how teams keep racing these days if they’re finishing at the back, because everything is expensive right now. The fuel to get to and from the track, our tires and parts — everything is up.”

Looking Ahead

Tyler and the team are taking this weekend off before returning to action September 18th at Williams Grove Speedway and September 19th at BAPS Motor Speedway.

Ross Racing driver Tyler Ross says the team has identified key reasons results have been inconsistent over the past several weeks, and the immediate focus is on returning the racecar to its “happy” place.

Moving Target

Ross explained that the recent stretch included multiple challenges that went beyond typical race-to-race adjustments. The problems started after a June 20th incident at Lincoln Speedway, when Ross got upside down. The team made the decision to skip Path Valley Speedway on June 21st so they could focus on necessary repairs and prepare for Speedweek. During Speedweek, Ross was involved in another incident at Grandview Speedway, and the cumulative effect of those events ultimately changed how the car responded to setup adjustments.

“When the chassis flexes in an incident, it can change things more than most people realize,” Ross said. “It’s still straight, but we are finding we do have to do some things a little different with it to make it happy. A happy car means a fast car.”

Setup, Components, Confidence

Ross noted the team tore the car down after the incidents and had it checked to ensure everything critical was true. While the chassis remained straight, the team found that the flex the frame had experienced was going to require them to make setup adjustments.

During the tear down and rebuild, the team found component-specific issues such as a bent torque tube, and they have continued to work to eliminate possible weaknesses, including freshening up their shock program.

Another Variable Added

When the team went back to racing with the car, Ross said there was an additional variable to manage: the World of Outlaws events at BAPS Motor Speedway (July 29th) and Williams Grove Speedway (July 31st) were the first times at those tracks with the current motor program. 

While Ross didn’t elaborate on exactly what differences his new motor brings to the table, we can generally explain the impact a motor can have on setup.  Numerous performance ‘behaviors’ of a motor, such as whether it emphasizes low-end speed, which helps acceleration off the corner, or top-end speed for the end of the straightaway, cause the chassis and suspension to react differently. This requires specific setup adjustments to optimize handling for the new power characteristics.

Bright Spots Along the Way

Despite the recent challenges, Ross highlighted key moments that validated the team’s ongoing development. A strong 20th-to-7th run at Lincoln Speedway on June 22nd served as a testament to the team’s ability to overcome obstacles, while a 15th-place finish at BAPS Motor Speedway against the World of Outlaws on June 29th underscored their competitiveness in high-level fields. These performances provided both data for the team’s technical notes and a morale boost for everyone involved.

“Runs like that remind us that our team is capable, and we just need to keep battling,” Ross said. “Even if things don’t go right early in the night, it’s possible to bounce back and finish the night strong.”

Mindset Forward

Despite the ups and downs, Ross highlighted that the team is continuing to build momentum and keep Tyler sharp behind the wheel. Following the Speedweek stretch, Ross and the team returned to action at Lincoln Speedway on July 11th and July 22nd.

Additionally, Tyler gained valuable seat time and a boost in confidence through strong runs in the McGough No. 669 URC 360 sprint car at Port Royal Speedway (July 1st) and Selinsgrove Speedway (July 10th).

While confidence has taken a hit during the inconsistent stretch, Ross emphasized the team’s mindset remains firmly forward.

“Confidence is down, but determination isn’t,” Ross said. “We are rebuilding and going over the car again before Lincoln on August 8th. There’s a lot of racing left, and we will bounce back.”

Fans Invited: Upcoming Pabst Light Appearance

Ross Racing is also excited to welcome fans to an upcoming promotional appearance featuring new partner Pabst Light and Ace Distributing. Tyler Ross and the Ross Racing No. 5 car will be at Valley Green Beverage, located in Newberry Commons in Etters, PA, on August 15th from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM. Tyler will have hero cards to hand out and will be happy to greet fans for autographs and photos.

Tyler Ross and Ross Racing will head into Pennsylvania 410 Sprint Speedweek with momentum and a clear goal to turn consistent speed into strong results after a stretch of up-and-down nights. Despite a few recent challenges, Ross has maintained an impressive pace in 2026, recording 11 top-ten finishes in 17 410 sprint car races so far this season.

Ross has kept his momentum moving forward whenever the opportunity presented itself, including a standout rebound performance at Lincoln Speedway and a trip to victory lane in the 360 ranks.

The veteran driver battled through a tough outing at Lincoln Speedway on May 30th, where he elected to pull in and save his equipment after starting 19th in the A-main. He bounced back on June 13th at the same track, turning in a strong performance by advancing four spots in his heat race and climbing from 8th to 2nd in the A-main to secure a runner-up finish in the Bush Auto Group, Fastrak Express Inc., Stateline Truck and Trailer, Stoltzfus Farm Service, Betts Garage Ross Racing No.5.

Success followed on June 17th at Bridgeport Motorsports Park, where Ross captured the United Racing Club (URC) 360 sprint car feature win aboard the McGough No. 669.

Most recently, at Lincoln Speedway on June 20th, Ross qualified 13th and finished 5th in his heat race. He started 13th in the A-main and was racing in 9th when a crash with three laps remaining ended his night. Tyler noted that he simply overdrove turn three and caught the cushion, a mistake he is eager to learn from as the team prepares for the upcoming schedule.

Ross Racing is now locked in for four consecutive nights of Pennsylvania 410 Sprint Speedweek action. The team will compete at Lincoln Speedway on Saturday, June 27th, followed by BAPS Motor Speedway on Sunday, June 28th, a return to Lincoln Speedway on Monday, June 29th, and at Grandview Speedway on Tuesday, June 30th.

During Speedweek, Tyler will also race with the United Racing Club (URC) 360 sprint cars, piloting the McGough No. 669 at Port Royal Speedway on Wednesday, July 1st. Ross’s schedule beyond July 1st is still to be determined.

As Ross Racing heads into Speedweek, the focus remains on consistent execution—qualifying well, maintaining composure, and converting top-ten speed into podium finishes as the team enters the most demanding stretch of the season.

Fans should follow “Ross Racing 5” on Facebook for schedule updates and news throughout Tyler’s season.

Tyler Ross looks like he has found his groove.  He has delivered two top-tens, including a podium finish in his most recent outing at Lincoln Speedway.

IN A RHYTHM

At BAPS Motor Speedway on April 12th, Ross qualified 5th in his group but then, after heat race issues, had to battle back from the 19th starting spot in the 30-lap A-main.  He charged forward 11 spots to earn an 8th-place finish.

“We started well, but put ourselves behind in the heat. My guys kept my head up, and we battled back to a top ten.  Nights like that give us a lot of confidence in each other,” Ross said.

One week later, Ross turned in an even better performance at Lincoln Speedway.  After qualifying 2nd quickest in his group, he raced from 4th to a runner-up finish in his heat race, then backed it up by advancing from 6th to 3rd in the feature event.

“We went out late for our time in our group and laid down a solid lap. Just had to execute the rest of the night,” Ross commented.

“I am very happy with the consistency. The car is stable and maneuverable. The team is working well together. We just have to keep grinding.”

“It comes down to time trials, and as I said, it lets us put it in our own hands. We seem to be timing well, and I’m happy about that with these big races coming up.”

Ross has six top-ten finishes in nine races this season, including two podium performances.  In those six main events, he has passed a total of 28 cars.  That kind of speed and consistency will eventually deliver wins.

“Being happy with our speed and consistency, we’re just looking at one race at a time and doing the best we can. We’re having fun right now, and that’s making everything else fall into place,” Ross shared.

“We know tough times will come; it’s just going to be about how we navigate those nights.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Ross’s plans to compete at Bridgeport Motorsports Park last weekend were washed away by rain, so he has now turned his attention to some big races on the horizon.

The Lincoln University, PA-based team will be at Lincoln Speedway and BAPS Motorspeedway this weekend to open the month of May.  Their third race in five days will come against the World of Outlaws at Lincoln Speedway, and the team may add May 8th at Williams Grove Speedway with the Outlaws to their plans as well.

Tyler is also slated to race the McGough No.669 360 sprint car with the United Racing Club (URC) at Port Royal Speedway on May 16th.  The following night, May 17th, he plans to be back in his own No.5 at BAPS Motor Speedway.  

The next stop during the busy month of May for Ross will take him to Grandview Speedway to compete with High Limit Racing in his own Bush Auto Group, Fastrak Express Inc., Stateline Truck and Trailer, Stoltzfus Farm Service, Betts Garage No.5.

Fans should follow “Ross Racing 5” on Facebook to keep up with schedule updates and news throughout Tyler’s season!

Following some opening day challenges at Lincoln Speedway’s Ice Breaker last month, Tyler Ross has rebounded for three consecutive solid runs of 7th, 3rd, and 5th in A-main competition to kick off the Central Pennsylvania sprint car season.

The opening weeks of Ross’s season continue the strong momentum he built in the closing month of the 2025 campaign.

A GOOD SIGN

Ross got right down to business Saturday afternoon at Lincoln Speedway by racing from his 3rd starting spot to a runner-up finish in his heat race to earn a spot in the redraw.

That effort paid off when he drew the pole for the 30-lap A-main.  Ross took command at the drop of the green and held a comfortable lead throughout the first half of the race.  Meanwhile, Freddie Rahmer was working his way into position to take a shot at the top spot.

Rahmer finally made his move for the lead in traffic on lap 16.  Ross attempted to turn back under the No.51 but couldn’t get back by.

“I knew he (Rahmer) was coming.  When you are leading, you don’t know where to run.  I was making laps, trying to take the air off him or break his momentum, but he was just a little bit better than us late in the race.” Ross explained.

“It feels good to run well early in the season.  Traditionally, we are slow starters.  Hopefully, this is a sign of good things to come.”

“The first week at the Ice Breaker, we just weren’t sharp.  It took all of us a week to get back in a rhythm and shake off the rust.  The last few races we have been on point and having fun.”  

STAYING STRONG

Ross continued to show speed the next day at BAPS Motor Speedway’s 410 sprint car opener, leading every lap and topping Lance Dewease and Anthony Macri to take the win from the pole of his heat race.

From the 5th starting spot in the 30-lap A-main, Ross was racey again, climbing to 3rd by lap 14.  He held a firm grip on the podium spot until late in the race.  He slipped back two spots in the final four laps but was able to bring home a top-five finish.

“The car went away a little late in the race, but with some fine-tuning, we will be ok.” Ross shared.

“We are happy to be up front running with the teams we know we are capable of running with.  We are a small, family-owned team, and we are right there with the guys who do this for a living.  We are going to keep digging and putting ourselves in position to win, and the wins will come.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Ross’s 2026 season schedule will likely mirror last year’s, with a primary focus on Lincoln Speedway and BAPS Motor Speedway, while also venturing to Grandview, Bridgeport, and Port Royal on occasion.

Fans should follow “Ross Racing 5” on Facebook to keep up with schedule updates and news throughout Tyler’s season!