Local driver earns micro sprints win in Tulsa

A Terra Bella youth took Tulsa, Okla. by storm early this month as part of national Micro Sprint Car competition.

Trent Carter broke up a Sooner state sweep by fending off Sapulpa’s Blake Hahn for the win in the 20-lap championship feature event on Jan. 1 during the 24th annual Tulsa Shootout at the Quik Trip Center’s Tulsa Expo Raceway.

The shootout saw a record 473 entries, according to Jana Carter, Trent Carter’s mother.

The Tulsa Shootout is the largest Micro Sprint Car race of the season to name national champions.

Carter, 15, earned the pole position for the Restricted A Class. He led all 20 laps but was challenged on lap 17 when Hahn surged ahead entering turn three.

All Carter needed was a slight slip above the cushion to edge back into the lead, Jana Carter said. The Terra Bella driver, after taking the top side of the track away, fought off one more challenge by Hahn to post the win.

Carter is a sophomore at Porterville High School. He races at Visalia’s Giant Chevrolet at Plaza Park and at the Lemoore Raceway. He finished fourth in season points at both tracks, ending the 40-race season with seven wins, 28 Top 5 finishes and 36 Top 10 finishes.

Carter’s race sponsors include Graphics Emporium, Nicole Adams Hairstylist, 360 Performance Automotive, Walt Orth, Eames Transportation, Jeffers Racing, Poaterville Lock & Safe and Shaw Steel Structures Unlimited.

This year’s season begins in April.

-- Contact The Recorder sports desk at 784-5000, Ext. 1049.