3/3/2023
Kyle Hammer
HAMMER TIME: Brent McKinnon Racing Names Kyle Hammer as Driver for '23 Campaign
Kyle Hammer of Clinton, IL has been named to pilot the Midwest Farm & Land Company-backed No. 26 for Brent McKinnon Racing in 2023. (Heath Lawson photo)
“I’m very excited for this opportunity and I can’t thank Brent and his team enough!” said Kyle. “I’ve ran races for people here and there, but never given an opportunity like this. He has been very open to ideas and working with me on things and I feel like we will have a pretty solid season.“
An early contender for Rookie of the Year with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series in 2022, Hammer comes from a diverse racing background, with a variety of UMP Modified, Midget and Super Late Model experience in the past year and throughout his young career.
“I got to run a Super Late Model quite a bit last year, getting laps under my belt, along with running different types of cars for different car owners as well — which I believe will all help me adapt to this new experience for both Brent and I.” added Kyle. I think we both have the goal this year to have a good time and keep racing enjoyable, so it will be a fun year!”
After suffering a multitude of injuries in a work-related accident during the off-season, driver and team co-owner Brent McKinnon will be sidelined for the entirety of the 2023 season.
“On December 6, 2022, my life was turned upside down. Just a terrible accident at work nearly took my life. I really was just so damn lucky that day.” said Brent.
In the accident, Brent suffered a severe lower extremity injury, nearly losing his right foot; a torn ACL and MCL, fractured shin and knee, two fractured lower vertebrates in his back and a concussion.
“I’ve been in the hospital three different times, underwent five different surgeries and spent nearly 40 days between the hospital and a medical rehab facility since the accident.” added Brent. “Fortunately, some of the best doctors were located right across the Mississippi River and they’ve been able to put me back together and things are looking much better.”
Following the accident, Brent, and additional team co-owners Chris McKinnon and Ed “Bear” Bryan, sat down to discuss their plans for the upcoming season. After careful consideration, the ownership group selected Hammer to pilot their Dargie Racing Engines-powered Rocket Chassis for 2023.
“Kyle drove for some good friends of mine last year at the Prairie Dirt Classic and they had a lot of good things to say about him in terms of his work ethic and the amount of knowledge he had for such a young kid.” commented Brent. “I really liked how well he progressed behind the wheel of a Super Late Model last year. To be competitive on the World of Outlaws tour isn’t a fluke, I think it really just shows raw talent.”
After a profound experience nearly took his life just three months ago, the 37 year old McKinnon is eager to return to the race track this year, with a refreshed outlook on life and as a car owner for the very first time.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to the track and get a taste of what it’s like being a car owner. Who knows, maybe I’ll like it.” said Brent with a smile. “We’re just gonna go out this year and have fun. I think we’re gonna be competitive and I won’t be surprised if we win a big race.”
Kyle Hammer and Brent McKinnon Racing will drop the hammer on their 2023 campaign on April 21st at Tri-City Speedway (Granite City, IL), with a tentative 20-25 race schedule set to be released soon.
Brent McKinnon Racing would like to thank all of our new and returning sponsors for their support; Midwest Farm & Land Company, Russ Erlinger Crane Service, Skyview Exteriors LLC, Robin Dee Enterprises, A&J Motorsports, Lane Construction & Concrete, Moxie Salon, TNT RV & Generator Services, King’s Fudge, Poplar Place, Troy Page Excavating, Dargie Racing Engines, Rocket Chassis, Signs & Designs by Ronnie Deien and Cole Perkins Media & Promotions.
Stay connected with Brent McKinnon Racing by following our Facebook page “Brent McKinnon Racing” and Twitter handle @BrentMcKinnon26.
Article Credit: Cole Perkins Media & Promotions