PULASKI, Tenn. – Officially, the Martin Methodist Athletic Department fields 15 varsity sports. Featuring all types of seasons and a range of competitions, it's safe to say that the department has had its hand in just about everything.
But, if an upcoming event scheduled for this Saturday is any indication, the school may want to consider adding one more sport to its athletic umbrella.
Stock car racing.
Martin Methodist senior and semi-professional stock car driver Tyler Miles will have a special look on his No. 40 Chevrolet when he takes to the track at Saturday's All-American 400 at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway as he will feature a special RedHawk logo on the car as part of his sponsorship team.
Miles, a Pulaski, Tenn. native, has competed in the stock car circuit since he was 16 and has won multiple races, championships and individual accolades during his five-year career.
Most recently, Miles participated in the 'PEAK Stock Car Challenge' this summer, which selected 10 drivers out of a pool of 700 applicants to race a PEAK sponsored stock car with a chance to become a developmental driver for Michael Waltrip Racing.
Miles was tabbed as one of the ten drivers in the competition and was featured in the competition's promotional television show, which aired Aug. 11 on the Speed Network.
Despite the previous accolades, Saturday's race will be a special one for Miles, who could possibly be competing in his final race as a student at Martin Methodist.
In addition to his exploits on the racetrack, Miles has been a model student in the classroom and is on track to graduate in May 2014 with degrees in Sports Management and Business Management. Miles has achieved Dean's List status a total of six times throughout his RedHawk academic career and currently features a 3.8 grade-point average.
"Having the Martin Methodist logos on my car will be something special," Miles said. "I remember not even knowing what the campus was like when I was a little boy. Going to school here now is neat and I've enjoyed my time, but to represent them in one of the most prestigious races of the year is something I would never have dreamed of. I am always proud to represent Martin Methodist and the RedHawks and having them on my race car is very fitting."
"What a privilege it is to sponsor Tyler Miles for the All-American 400," Martin Methodist President Dr. Ted Brown said. "He is a superb representative of our student body, as well as our Champions of Character initiative. It has been so impressive to watch him juggle his developing racing career with his degree program at Martin Methodist, which is not an easy thing to manage. We want the campus and our alumni to turn out on Saturday night and cheer him to a huge victory on behalf of RedHawks everywhere."
Saturday's race will mark one of the nation's premier events in short track competition this season, with drivers from across the United States and even Canada expected to compete in the 400-lap late model event.
By competing in Saturday's race, Miles will join a lengthy list of competitors in the event's decorated history, including names such as Darrell Waltrip, Mark Martin, Sterling Marlin and Kyle Busch.
"To be able to go out and compete in a race like this is truly special," Miles said. "The All-American has a special place in stock car history. This will be a fun night to race in front of my friends, family and RedHawk supporters."
Start time in Saturday's race is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.
Complimentary free tickets to Saturday's race will be made available around campus and in Colonial Hall throughout the rest of the week and available for purchase online at FairgroundsSpeedwayNashville.com.
