In a world full of egos and spotlight seekers, this driver stands out for all the right reasons. Raised in the heartbeat of a small-town repair shop owned by his mom and dad, his journey began not with flash, but with grit—turning wrenches, learning the craft, and building not just cars, but character. Cutting his teeth between oil changes and late nights in the garage, he quickly showed that the same hands tightening bolts could grip a steering wheel with unmatched precision. He jumped behind the wheel of a go-kart before most kids had lost their training wheels. From there, it was arena racing, where he made his name known with quiet determination and hard-nosed driving. By the age of 10, while most were still figuring out the basics, he was strapping into a late model stock car and taking on veterans twice his age. No shortcuts. No silver spoon. Just raw talent and a relentless work ethic forged in the family shop. And now—years of hard work, sacrifice, and staying humble—have paid off in a way dreams are made of. Under the lights at the legendary Hickory Motor Speedway for the 2025 Throwback Classic Weekend, he pulled off the biggest win of his young career, cashing in a $50,000 payday in a late model stock that he and his family wrenched on themselves. It wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. One that proves you don’t need millions to make it. You just need heart, hustle, and a family who believes in you. And this humble wheelman? He’s just getting started.
Mini Tyrrell joins us to tell us his story from his humble beginnings from gokarts at a young age to where he hated getting bumped at first but one day in the backyard with him mother he learned to take a bump and to give a bump. Mini comes from a family of racing with his father running late model stocks back in the day and asking Mini if he wanted to try out this sport we love and cut our teeth doing. From there Mini went to Arena racing where he stacked up 8 wins and became the youngest to win in Youth and Pro divisions in Richmond VA
From there Mini went into Late Model Stocks and Limited Late Models becoming the youngest driver in the world to race and win a LMSC race. Aquired 15 wins from 2013 to 2018 and also becoming back to back LMSC Championships in 2016 and 2017
Jumping up to the CARS Tour in 2019 with the family team with Late Model Champion Brandon Butler he has been on a tear ever since, Finishing in the top 3 in points last year Mini grabbed and rode that wave into this year already aquiring 3 wins in the Cars Tour including the 2025 Throwback Classic where he walked away with 50k after not knowing if he was gonna finish out the season.
These are the stories that write themselves in the racing world we all been at a time where we are at hardship for the race season then we get some luck, skill and determination behind us and have a break out when we need it most.
Mini on the track is a great competitor but also a great person off the track too, humble, gritty, a guy that will go to no end to help his friends and family out. At the age of 6 years old hea fundraising campaign dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, and providing joy and support to children with cancer and other causes. Since launching his first fundraiser he has rasied over $650,000. Mini's Mission is now a 503(c)(3) non profit organization that is partnered with
Children’s National Hospital
Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia
Alex’s Army Childhood
Cancer Foundation
Friends of Jaclyn Foundation (FOJ)
Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation (JGCF)
It was awesome to hear his story to see what hes doing behind the scenes and how hes giving back to the community every day he suits up puts on a helmet and pulls those straps tight one more time!
and we hope you do too !
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