Tyler Reif Overcomes Broken Collarbone to Finish Fifth in SPEARS PLM Standings
Tyler Reif averaged better than a fifth-place finish in 2021 Spears Manufacturing Pro Late Model Series presented by Sigma Performance Services competition. That figure, amongst the series regulars, was only bested by Jeremy Doss and Dylan Zampa. Reif finished fifth in the championship standings however, when he missed two events due to an off-roading injury sustained near the halfway mark of the season. Reif ripped off three third place finishes among his seven top-five and nine top-10 results, in his nine starts. He completed every lap in the nine events he attended.
Reif got the season off to a great start with a third place run at the “Sunrise Ford All-Star Showdown 150” at Irwindale Speedway, with 37 Pro Late Models in attendance. He scored three more top five’s in a row before being sidelined with his off-track injury. When he returned, he put his Undaunted Apparel, Vegas Fastener MFG Camaro in the top-five two more times. His first finish outside the top-five occurred in Round #9 at ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY – ROSEVILLE CA, coming home eighth in his first start at the facility. At the “Bischofberger Brawl 166”, Reif was battling for second, when contact late in the event relegated him to a ninth-place finish. The “October Classic” finale at Kern County Raceway Park saw Reif return to the top-five, leading 24 laps, with a strong third place run in the 25-car field.
After earning multiple victories in the Madera Speedway Jr. Late Model program, Reif was making his first appearance in touring series competition. Although he didn’t score a victory, he had a very strong season. It was a season that even surprised the Sigma Performance Services Young Gun.
“The 2021 season started off absolutely amazing”, Reif recalled. “I don’t think any of our team was expected these top three finishes every weekend. A couple races in, I broke my collarbone in two places, which made me miss two races. Before I broke it, I was second in overall points, close with Jeremy Doss for the lead. Also, I was in the lead for the Young Guns championship. After I got back from my broken collarbone, I was definitely a little rusty. It took a couple races to come back. The last two races where super strong for me. Being one of the cars to (compete for the) win at the “Bischofberger Brawl”, and the finale at Kern.”
Reif’s great season wouldn’t have been possible, if it wasn’t for his supporters. He was thankful for all his supporters.
“I would Like to thank Tony Jackson, Matt Jackson, Dave Jackson, Aaron Shankerman, Brian Stecki, Johnny Blankervort, Lynsey Blankervort, Jose, my parents, Undaunted Apparel, Shreddylyfe.com, Vegas Fastener Manufacturing, Power Gen Components, CSM Graphics, and everybody in the SRL and Sigma Performance Services for making this happen.”
The 14-year-old will look to get off to another great start in 2022, where the series will kick off its second season at the All-Star Showdown at Irwindale Speedway. 37 Pro Late Model made the trip in 2021, and Reif will look to earn series victory number two, in what should be another stellar field.
