8/9/2025
Oswego Speedway
19-Year-Old Rookie Tyler Cooper Gearing Up for Pathfinder Bank SBS Debut at Oswego Speedway
OSWEGO, NY (August 8, 2025) - Next weekend, 19-year-old Tyler Cooper of Fair Haven, NY, will take a big step in his racing career as he makes his long awaited debut in the Pathfinder Bank SBS division at Oswego Speedway. After years of experience in Microds, he is now ready to tackle the challenges of a full-sized race car.
Cooper, who debuted the striking No. 11 machine during tonight’s Fast Friday session, will continue fine-tuning the car as Championship Night and the 69th edition of Bud Classic Weekend approach. The No. 11 is a twin to the No. 7 machine driven by Cameron Rowe Jr., both crafted by Tyler’s father, Mark Cooper, and Cameron Rowe Sr.
Like many young guns moving up to the SBS division, Tyler Cooper’s connection to Oswego Speedway runs deep. “To run at Oswego Speedway means a ton to me because every Saturday of my whole childhood was spent at the track, and it’s always been my dream to compete there,” he explained. “My Dad worked with Tim Snyder from ’93 to ’05, my Grandpa Doug worked with Joe Gosek for a long time, and my grandpa Dave and Grandma Ginger both worked for the Speedway.”
A third generation driver, Tyler himself is also continuing the family tradition behind the wheel. His father raced at Oswego in a dwarf car. Cooper also has close ties to the Schartner family, longtime fixtures in the SBS division and Microd racing community. “Andrew Schartner was definitely my favorite driver growing up because his dad owned my first car,” Tyler shared.
Cooper’s passion for Supermodified and SBS racing was inspired by some of the greats he grew up watching. “My favorite drivers growing up were Kreig Heroth and Tim Snyder,” Tyler noted. One of his fondest memories are the suspense-filled finishes of Oswego’s International Classic races: “My best memories at Oswego Speedway are watching the end of Classic where you don’t know who’s got fuel in it to win the race, so every lap is like a guessing game.”
Tyler brings an impressive resume to the SBS ranks, having spent eight years racing Microds where he earned multiple New York State Microd Association (NYSMA) championships. In addition, he holds the NYSMA Driver of the Year title and has captured Syracuse Microd Club Track Championships. Despite his success at smaller tracks, the transition to the full-sized cars in the SBS division certainly presents a new challenge, but that is something he has never shied away from.
Beyond racing, Tyler is busy balancing his sophomore year at Morrisville State College, where he competes as part of the school’s basketball team. His competitiveness shines both on the track and on the court as a standout player on the team.
Looking ahead, Tyler is focused on learning and gaining experience in his first couple of starts, leading into his rookie season in 2026. “My goals at the track are to learn the ropes this year and be a full-time competitor next year,” he said. With the support of his family and a strong work ethic, Cooper is eager to make his mark on Oswego Speedway.
Sponsors on the immaculate Cooper Racing No. 11 include Cooper Custom Canvas, Colloca Estate Winery, Boatyard Pub & Grill, Big D’s Limos, Red Aspen, Brandon’s Pub & Grille, Shop Rate Remover, TGR Motorsports, Rad Racegear, Acro Fab, Quonce Landscaping, Sterling Custom Canvas, and Keefe Farms.
Tyler was sure to extend a special thanks to: “Dad, Mom, my whole family, Cam Rowe and Cam Jr., Carl Crawford Jr. and Carl Crawford Sr., and Tim Grant.”
Submitted By: Oswego Admin