WATCH NOW: MOTORSPORTS: Hammer focused on different route in sports car racing | Sports News

ABINGDON, Va. – Kylin Hammer skilled a daily life-changing moment six decades in the past.

The environment was Daytona Intercontinental Speedway and the event was the 24 Several hours of Daytona endurance race.

“I loved what I saw, and I have been hooked on sports car racing ever considering the fact that that working day,” Hammer reported.

Shortly immediately after returning house to Abingdon, Hammer mapped out an formidable strategy to function in the assorted activity.

“A good deal of men and women have big ambitions, but they never place in the perform or are fearful to go immediately after it. I did every thing I could to recognize my aspiration,” Hammer claimed.

Soon after serving as an intern very last summer time, the 20-yr-aged Hammer is moving into his initial period as a details engineer with the famed Flying Lizard Motorsports crew. Based in Sonoma, California, the Traveling Lizard procedure has received 10 sports activities car or truck championships.

“My hopes ended up superior, but I had no concept that points would materialize this speedy for me,” Hammer claimed.

The speed is about to get a great deal faster for Hammer. He will be competing in the International Motorsports Association’s (IMSA) Lamborghini Super Trofeo North American Series for Flying Lizard, which also fields automobiles in the Porsche Sprint Obstacle, GT4 The united states and GT America series.

“It’s surely a interesting option that I’m grateful for,” Hammer explained. “The homeowners of Flying Lizard are legends in the activity, and the crew apparel can be witnessed at each individual highway race all around the state. I will be surrounded by veteran racers and crew associates, and I’m keen to master all sorts of new matters.”

Hammer’s path is exceptional in numerous facets. He obtained his get started in motorsports at age seven by racing karts at now defunct Beechnut Raceway in Blountville and Dumplin Valley Raceway in Kodak, Tennessee.

Soon right after profitable a track title in the Junior Champ division in 2013, Hammer turned to the limited track earth at Kingsport Speedway the place earned rookie of the year honors in the Mod 4 class.

“I inevitably tested in a Late Design motor vehicle, but I just wanted to test anything various,” Hammer mentioned.

How did Hammer make the enormous leap from rugged stock autos to unique sporting activities cars?

“I showed up at tracks, viewed everything, questioned issues and explained to my story,” Hammer stated.

Hammer had paid his dues. An honor student in the engineering plan at East Tennessee Point out College, Hammer was not long ago recognized into the motorsports engineering program at UNC Charlotte. That in depth method has been a launching pad for aspiring NASCAR engineers.

“I comprehend that NASCAR is the huge activity in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia and I began out on that path,” Hammer reported. “For various explanations, I’m much more intrigued in the athletics vehicle aspect of factors.”

That curiosity grew final season when Hammer was offered his internship with the K-PAX Racing workforce. He assisted K-PAX racers for events at Virginia Worldwide Raceway in Alton, Street The usa in Wisconsin, Sebring Global Raceway in Florida, Watkins Glen Raceway in New York, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 8-hour Fanatec GT Entire world Problem.

The next for Hammer will be the 2022 Super Trofeo season opener at Laguna Seca Raceway in scenic Monterey on April 29. Races at Watkins Glen, Highway The us and VIR will follow ahead of the World Finals in Portimao, Portugal

Hammer has his passport and notebook ready for new adventures. As a info engineer, Hammer will be stationed in the pits in which he will obtain details, look at telemetry and consult with with drivers.

“It was magnificent to perform at tracks like Indianapolis last year, and I want to retain adding to my information base with this world course workforce,” Hammer mentioned. “The Lamborghini I will be operating can go 180 mph on the straightaway and features a large amount of downforce and aero. I will hands-on with all our motorists, and mastering points that will carry more than when I get back again into a automobile.”

That is ideal, Hammer even now options to be get back guiding the wheel of his possess race automobile.

“I just bought a new racing hearth go well with and sneakers this previous weekend,” Hammer mentioned. “I’m just ready on an opportunity.”

For now, Hammer is information to follow a path that began on a sunny afternoon at Daytona Insertional Speedway.

“Sports car or truck racing is escalating on a countrywide and intercontinental amount, “Hammer said. “I would really like to generate additional desire for the activity in the south, moreover teach and inspire young folks who glance like me to stick to their personal goals.

“It’s all about resolve and frequent discovering.”

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