At just 22 years of age, Austin McCarl entered his first year as mechanic/car owner of the 17a sprint car in 2015. Two years of part-time duty and wrenching on his father Terry’s car had him hungry for more action. 2014 ended sweet for Austin, who copped the $10,000 finale at Huset’s Speedway. In 2015 and 2016, he was a top ten threat not only at Knoxville, but also with the competitive National Sprint League. Austin McCarl followed his father's footsteps as a Knoxville track champion in 2018, taking the 410 crown on the strength of his first four wins at Knoxville Raceway. In Austin's inaugural season with TKS Motorsports in 2017, they finished third in the point race. He also had a top three finish in 2019 season points. A 2011 sixth place run in points picked Austin up the "Most Improved" Driver honors. He also qualified for the Knoxville Nationals championship event that season at the age of 18. Austin picked up the first 410 win of his career on June 18, 2010 at the Rapid Speedway in Rock Rapids, Iowa. He was a "true" 410 rookie in 2009. After racing a handful of 360 races in 2008, the Southeast Polk High School student/athlete tackled the 410 class.