"My dad raced and then it became my time." That's how Tim Carlson explains how he got into auto racing. "And I'm still doing it."
Tim, 45, and his son Dalton, 17, can be found in or around their hauler parked on the west end of the track at Bemidji Speedway Sunday nights. After getting their racing chores accomplished, both can be seen strolling the pits visiting with their fellow racers and lending a hand when needed. Tim has been racing for 31 years, Dalton is in his third year of competition.
"After dad retired from racing I took over," Tim said. Dalton added, "I'm the third generation of racer in my family, I just have dirt in my blood."
Tim Carlson races the No. 57 TRC Wissota Midwest Modified car while Dalton drives the No. 57 Monroe Wissota Super Stock. Tim also races a Master Built late model at the Hibbing and Grand Rapids speedways. Dalton is new to the super stock ranks, having raced in the pure stocks class for the past two years. He won sportsman of the year honors at the Grand Rapids track and claimed the track championship at Bemidji Speedway last season.
"Watching Dalton win his first race and the track championship at Bemidji was a highlight of my racing career," said a very proud Tim. "Eventually I would like to give my race car to my boys and just help."
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Dalton's goal is to eventually move up to the late models and win a championship.
The Carlsons -- Tim, wife Kristi and children Justin, Dalton, Austin and Sierra -- travel as a family to the races. Tim owns Carlson's Muffler Shop in Cohasset. Dalton is a student at Grand Rapids High School. The Carlsons' pit crew includes Ted Carlson, Austin Carlson, Bob Knight and Jason Jones. The racing team is sponsored by Carlson's Muffler Shop, Kristi's Creative Cuts and Paul Bunyan TV.
Two nights of racing at the
Bemidji Speedway are scheduled over the Memorial Day weekend, with action starting at 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
