Tanner McKim – A kid on the move
Tanner McKim loves to go fast. His mother, Kim said he started riding dirt bikes (the motorized kind) when he was three years old. This year, he started racing cars and going 40 to 45 miles an hour. Not bad for an eleven-year-old, sixth grader at Turner Middle School (TMS).
Kim says they waited until this year to allow Tanner to race at Colorado National Speedway in Dacono, Colorado. He is in the Bandolero car division at the speedway. When Tanner turns 12, he can graduate from the Bandit level to the Outlaw level. The 12-year-old classification allows drivers to go 70 miles per hour.
The cars in this division are 47 inches wide, ten feet-nine inches long and 34 inches high. The 570cc Briggs & Stratton engine produces 30 horsepower. Tanner says the cars have automatic transmissions. The track is asphalt-covered. All racers wear the appropriate safety equipment and gear and the cars have safety specifications that must be met.
Kim says that next year Tanner plans to possibly do more races. This could include traveling to Nebraska and Wyoming to compete.
Tanner is very insightful about what racing is all about. He says competing is,” more about fun than constantly wanting to win.” The sport also helps him to deal with not winning at times.
Tanner and his mom say racing is a team effort. His step-father has auto mechanic experience and helps with both mechanics and bodywork needed on the mini-racer.
Like the NASCAR racers, sponsors are also important to a racer. In addition to repairs, there are also other expenses including race fees. Tanner and his mom both acknowledge the sponsors who help keep Tanner on the track. This includes Berthoud’s B-Town Automotive, standup comedian Vinnie Montez, Blue Line Construction Company of Berthoud and Dana Hinz of the Hinz Group at RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville.
Tanner is not just about racing. He has participated in school sports and likes to play pickleball. He says he enjoys fishing and has started hunting, mostly for ducks and doves.
When asked what his fellow students at TMS think of his racing, Tanner said some are “kinda jealous.” These students may want to take note of Tanner or even snag an autograph now. Who knows, someday he may be a big-time NASCAR racer.
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