Cole Garner has been wowing race fans at Knoxville Raceway with his consistent performance and impressive speed in his #4 Fluth Motorsports 360. At just 17 years old (as of June 14), Cole is in his second season of racing at Knoxville Raceway, following in the footsteps of his father, Clint Garner, and demonstrating a natural talent for navigating the Sprint Car Capital of the World.
From a young age, Cole was no stranger to Knoxville Raceway, accompanying his father to the track just days after he was born to watch Clint race the family’s #40 360. His parents, Clint and Sommer, nurtured his interest in racing by getting him into go-karting at English Creek Speedway, located just 15 minutes south of Knoxville. At the age of 8 in 2017, Cole began racing regularly, supported by his father and Grandpa Randy. Initially, they struggled with go-kart racing but received valuable assistance from McKenna Hasse and her Compass Program (now known as Youth Racers), which helped them with setups, advice, and initial sponsorships.
By 2018, the Garners had gained confidence and started racing independently, steadily improving their performance. In 2019, Cole showcased his talent by winning the English Creek Nationals at just 10 years old. His victory was particularly memorable because of the joy it brought to those around him.
The 2020 season marked a significant turning point when Cole transitioned to a new kart equipped with a Minicon chassis and Uncle Frank Engines. This combination boosted his performance, making him a consistent top-three finisher every night. The new setup allowed Cole to refine his skills and gain unprecedented consistency.
The momentum continued through the 2021-2022 seasons, with Cole winning a points championship at English Creek Speedway in 2022, fulfilling a primary goal and honoring his "home track." In 2023, as he grew older and heavier for his karting class, Cole eagerly anticipated transitioning to sprint car racing. Just three days after turning 16, he made his debut at Knoxville Raceway in the 360 class, impressively holding his own in the B main.
When asked about competing against his accomplished father, Cole acknowledged Clint’s skill and the challenge of racing against top competitors like Terry McCarl. Despite their competitive nature, they maintain a mutual respect and avoid unnecessary crashes, understanding the effort it takes to repair damaged cars. Cole's mother, Sommer, remains anxious about having both her husband and oldest son racing, while his younger brother, Luke, shows promise and fearlessness in his own racing endeavors.
Racing alongside his father has been a lifelong dream for Cole. As he looks ahead to the 2024 season, his goals include winning the Rookie of the Year title and consistently making it to every feature race. Much of his success is attributed to Al Parker’s strong engine program. Outside of racing, Cole works at the family business, Midwest Excavating, enjoys golfing, and plans to attend the University of South Dakota to become a math teacher. He will begin his junior year at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls.
Cole’s sponsors include Fluth Rentals, Midwest Excavating, Al Parker Engines, Electric Company Construction, Bare Billboards, Bruce P. Woods, Advanced Auto Body, Checkered Flag Concessions, Blondie Motorsports, and Mobile Tech Inc. His dedicated crew comprises Grandpa Randy, Matt, his father Clint, and Chipper (John). Cole races with a J&J Chassis powered by Al Parker Engines, and his supportive family includes his parents, Sommer and Clint, his brother Luke, Grandpa Randy, Grandma Janet, Uncle Matt, and grandparents Glenda and Boyd Fluth.
- Eric Arnold on Jul 16, 2024
- Article Date: 7/16/2024 by Joanne Cram