TOPEKA (KSNT) – An 11-year-old first-generation racer with aspirations of a career in NASCAR is taking the next step by joining a pro truck racing division.
Now, the Topeka native is shifting gears to the next level, joining KHR’s Pro Truck program and preparing for national competition. Taegan Knowland has built a strong resume in just a few years, winning over 30 races, including a major victory at Daytona.
“We knew the next step was something bigger, like a Legend or Pro Truck or a Late Model. And, well, we found ourselves in a pro truck with Kaden Honeycutt Racing and Kirby Honeycutt,” Race Car Driver, Taegan Knowland said. “The Pro Truck will go 100, 115, on the straightaways. It’s just, it’s a bigger car, it’s a full-size car and it has like a shifter and clutch and stuff.”
According to Knowland’s website, he started racing at 7 years old and took the checkered flag in his first rookie race. He continued on to win the USAC.25 Nationals at the Daytona International Speedway in the rookie division.
Part of I-70 in Topeka to close for Polk-Quincy Viaduct work
In 2024, Knowland competed in the Cookout Summer Shootout at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and was named the 2024 Kansas State Champion in the Bandolero Bandit Division.
“Extremely proud of him. He puts in the work, and he puts in the effort. It’s something that, you know, like I said, first generation racer, I, I don’t know what it takes, you know, but I guess he’s got it. He’s on that path,” Father, Tanner Knowland said. “And we just want to continue to give him every chance to live his dream he has. And so that’s what we’re trying to do.”
If you want to cheer him on from Topeka, Jeremiah Bullfrog’s hosts a watch party every Tuesday. Knowland will be competing this month at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Cook Out Summer Shootout Series.
You can read more about Knowland by visiting his website here.
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