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David Gravel wins first Knoxville Nationals with Jason Johnson Racing
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World of Outlaws
Contact: Nick Graziano
World of Outlaws PR
ngraziano@dirtcar.com
Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article

Winner David Gravel (Frank Smith Photo)
DID IT: David Gravel wins first Knoxville Nationals
Gravel earns first Nationals title in his first year with Jason Johnson Racing
KNOXVILLE, IA – Aug. 10 – Jason Johnson just wanted to win.
“And we F’ing did it,” said a jubilant David Gravel, standing in Victory Lane with his Jason Johnson Racing team as the Knoxville Nationals champion for the first time in his career Saturday night at Knoxville Raceway.
“It just feels amazing,” Gravel said. “I don’t know what else to say. It feels really surreal. It doesn’t feel real at all.”
The Watertown, Conn.-native won the 59th annual NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s General Store in his first year with Jason Johnson Racing. And the pair did it in dominating fashion.
They started off their week in Knoxville, Iowa by winning Knoxville’s Capitani Classic. Four days later, debuting a new blue and fluorescent color painted car with Axalta on the side of it for the first time, Gravel won his preliminary race for the Nationals – earning a second-place starting position for Saturday’s Feature.
The Jason Johnson Racing team then started their Saturday evening by winning best appearing car and best dressed crew with the entire JJR team looking like rainbow warriors in their red, yellow, orange and blue Axalta gear.
A few hours later, after holding an E-Main, D-Main, C-Main and Last Chance Showdown – which saw Gio Scelzi, Donny Schatz, James McFadden and Rico Abreu transfer to the Feature – it was race time.
The field of 24 cars was set. More than 20,000 people – triple the town’s population – filled the grandstands. The crackling of fireworks echoed around the half-mile raceway.
Once the cars filed in two by two, flagman Doug Clark waved the green flag in front of the field for the final time at the Knoxville Nationals. Polesitter Aaron Reutzel launched to the lead past Gravel with Joey Saldana in his tire tracks. Saldana slid to the cushion in turn one in front of Gravel to take second.
Exiting turn four Reutzel hit the inside berm, got out of shape and allowed Saldana to get a run on him from the high side. Saldana stuck to the cushion in turns one and turn two, finding enough grip and momentum to charge around Reutzel for the lead.
Hugging to the bottom, Reutzel got back in his groove and ran Saldana down two laps later to retake the lead. Their battle wasn’t over yet.
After two cautions – including one for Donny Schatz having throttle linkage issues – Saldana found himself back on Reutzel’s bumper. The "Brownsburg Bullet" continued to run the cushion, while Reutzel remained low. However, with Saldana closing, Reutzel changed lines in turns three and four, moving to the side high. The lane switch blocked Saldana’s run and helped Reutzel extend his lead.
While the two battled, Gravel watched. Waited. He knew there was plenty of time to make a move in the 50-lap Feature.
“I didn’t get too excited,” Gravel said. “I knew if we fell back to fourth or fifth it would be kind of hard to battle back up there and contend for the win. Just kind of fell into third there.”
Once the lead was back in striking distance, Gravel pounced. Running the bottom, he drove past Saldana for second on Lap 10 and then methodically inched his way to the leader. Three laps later, with his front bumper close to Reutzel’s tail tank, Gravel threw a slide job at the Texian in turn three and made it stick off four.
When the score board clicked off another lap, Gravel was officially the new leader on Lap 14. From there, he set his Axalta No. 41 on cruise control until the scheduled caution on Lap 25.
“I just let the race come to me,” Gravel said. “Just, luckily, I was able to maintain third there early. I think that was huge and kind of see what lines worked where and what was the best place to be.”
Before the scheduled caution, Daryn Pittman was on a charge. From his 10th starting spot, Pittman worked his way to third-place, having to fight hard for it with Saldana and Tim Kaeding.
Once the race hit Lap 25, Gravel’s lead evaporated. All 24 cars were brought to the infield and teams were given three minutes to make any adjustments. Despite their speed, the Jason Johnson Racing did take the time to make a few tweaks. However, Gravel said with a chuckle, if he told you what they were he “might have to kill you.”
Whatever they were, they worked.
Gravel shot to the lead on the restart, immediately putting about a half a straightaway lead between he and Reutzel. A new contender emerged, though. Pittman, continuing his earlier charge, worked his way around Reutzel for second and began to track down Gravel.
The difference in speed was apparent. Pittman was making the high side work better than Gravel, inching closer every lap.
Two years ago, Gravel had a motor blow while leading the Knoxville Nationals. This year, it looked like Pittman might spoil his shot at a win once again.
But Pittman wasn't always consistent against the cushion. At times he would hit it wrong, upset his car and lose time to Gravel. It only took a couple of bobbles by Pittman for Gravel to pull away.
Gravel was back on cruise control. He just wanted to win.
Behind the top-two, Logan Schuchart was in a league of his own. From his 22nd starting position, he made his way to ninth by the halfway point. Then found himself in the top-five four laps later. With less than 10 laps to go, he was in third and closing on Pittman. With lapped traffic becoming a factor, Schuchart was able to steal second from Pittman on the last lap.
“To start 22nd and run second at the Knoxville Nationals is pretty awesome,” Schuchart said. “There’s good and bad second-places. The Kings Royal was a tough one. I wasn’t smiling a whole lot on that one. But tonight, I’m smiling.”
Pittman admitted there are also good and bad third-place finishes. His falls somewhere in between.
“Pretty frustrated that we lost second on that last lap,” Pittman said. “A lapped car just made a mistake in front of me.
“On one hand I’m really happy and really proud of this Roth Motorsports team and the effort we’ve put into Knoxville Raceway all season long, especially tonight. On the other hand, I’m pretty disappointed that I feel like that’s the best car I’ve ever had here and the best chance I’ve ever had to win this race.”
Gravel had his own issues with lapped cars in the closing laps. One bounced off the wall in front of him and others blocked his line. They slowed his pace, but not enough to put him in any danger.
He sped by the duel waving checkered flags with a more than 4.5 second lead over Schuchart.
“I’ve put myself in position a lot of times after prelim nights and never had anything to show for it,” Gravel said. “You know, my best finish is 10th. I feel like I’ve always been pretty good here, but no results Saturday night. Obviously, the JJR 41 gets around here good and it shows. It’s just a dream week. I’m numb right now. I don’t even know what is going on.”
The win was joyous and emotional for the entire team, especially team owner Bobbi Johnson, Jason Johnson’s wife, who made the decision to keep the team going after Jason’s death last year.
“I’m still trying the fathom it,” Bobbi Johnson said about the win. “You dream of this stuff.”
In the back of the JJR trailer is a list of goals. Johnson said the team usually sets goals every year. They weren’t going to this year, but then decided to do so. One was to win the Kings Royal. That didn’t happen. But there was still one goal on the list – win the Knoxville Nationals.
“It’s just phenomenal, unreal,” said Johnson, slowing her sentences to hold back the emotion. “Words can’t say what goes into all of the behind the scenes of something like this. I’m just thankful Jason was a great teacher and leader to me.
“If I wouldn’t have known the ins and outs and a lot of the other stuff and have (crew chief) Philip Dietz and these two (crew member) boys that stuck with us after the passing of Jason, there’s no way this team could’ve did it. And it took a whole 'nother army of sponsors to even be here to compete. So, I have to thank everybody that’s out there, and all of the fans. There’d be some down nights and I’d read some of the messages, and they’re very touching. I don’t know if words could every describe it.”
They just wanted to see them win.
UP NEXT:
The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series on Aug. 16 will return to River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D. Get tickets and more information. And on Aug. 17 the Series be at Red River Valley Speedway in West Fargo, N.D. Get tickets and more information.
As always you can catch all of the action LIVE on www.DIRTVision.com.
Race Results: 8/10/19 - Knoxville Raceway
NOS Energy Feature (50 Laps): 1. David Gravel (2); 2. Logan Schuchart (22); 3. Daryn Pittman (10); 4. Tim Kaeding (7); 5. Aaron Reutzel (1); 6. Brad Sweet (6); 7. Sheldon Haudenschild (15); 8. James McFadden (19); 9. Donny Schatz (18); 10. Gio Scelzi (17); 11. Kerry Madsen (21); 12. Shane Stewart (23); 13. Cory Eliason (13); 14. Joey Saldana (3); 15. Ian Madsen (14); 16. Parker Price-Miller (5); 17. Brent Marks (9); 18. Matt Juhl (12); 19. Trey Starks (11); 20. Paul McMahan (8); 21. Tim Shaffer (4); 22. Rico Abreu (20); 23. Lance Dewease (16); 24. Dominic Scelzi (24)
E-Main (10 Laps): 1. Jason Sides (1); 2. Joey Moughan (2); 3. Mason Daniel (3); 4. Kevin Thomas Jr. (5); 5. Harli White (7); 6. Caleb Helms (9); 7. Glen Saville (4); 8. Tom Harris (10); 9. Brodie Tulloch (6); 10. Bobby Mincer (12); 11. John Garvin (14); 12. Joe Simbro (11); 13. Chase Wanner (15); 14. Kevin Ingle (13); 15. Adam Cruea (16)
D-Main (12 Laps): 1. Davey Heskin (2); 2. Rusty Hickman (1); 3. Craig Dollansky (3); 4. Shane Golobic (4); 5. Brooke Tatnell (10); 6. Chase Johnson (8); 7. Skylar Gee (9); 8. Sawyer Phillips (6); 9. Greg Wilson (7); 10. Ryan Roberts (14); 11. Cale Conley (11); 12. Chris Martin (5); 13. Jake Bubak (16); 14. Kevin Thomas Jr. (22); 15. Jason Sides (19); 16. Robbie Price (18); 17. Willie Croft (17); 18. Joey Moughan (20); 19. Mason Daniel (21); 20. Caleb Helms (24); 21. Derek Hagar (15); 22. AJ Moeller (13); 23. Harli White (23); 24. Brian Paulus (12)
C-Main (15 Laps): 1. Tyler Courtney (1); 2. Cale Thomas (4); 3. Brian Brown (8); 4. Carson McCarl (2); 5. Lynton Jeffrey (9); 6. Thomas Kennedy (7); 7. Sam Hafertepe Jr. (3); 8. Skylar Prochaska (6); 9. Brady Bacon (12); 10. Josh Schneiderman (11); 11. Travis Rilat (5); 12. Justin Henderson (10); 13. Jason Solwold (15); 14. Shane Golobic (24); 15. Anthony Macri (13); 16. Davey Heskin (21); 17. Rusty Hickman (22); 18. RJ Johnson (18); 19. Jeff Swindell (14); 20. Sye Lynch (17); 21. Craig Dollansky (23); 22. Marcus Dumesny (16); 23. Don Droud Jr. (20); 24. Justin Peck (19)
Last Chance Showdown (22 Laps): 1. Gio Scelzi (2); 2. Donny Schatz (4); 3. James McFadden (1); 4. Rico Abreu (3); 5. Carson Macedo (8); 6. Mark Dobmeier (5); 7. Brock Zearfoss (9); 8. Scott Bogucki (6); 9. Austin McCarl (11); 10. Jacob Allen (10); 11. Kraig Kinser (15); 12. Brian Brown (23); 13. Sammy Swindell (14); 14. Chad Kemenah (19); 15. Tasker Phillips (20); 16. Bill Balog (16); 17. Tyler Courtney (21); 18. Carson McCarl (24); 19. Hunter Schuerenberg (17); 20. Tanner Thorson (7); 21. Cale Thomas (22); 22. Josh Baughman (13); 23. Spencer Bayston (12); 24. Terry McCarl (18)
NEW EGYPT SPEEDWAY NEWS – AUGUST 11, 2019
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New Egypt Speedway
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New Egypt Speedway
720 Route 539
New Egypt, NJ 08533
Track Phone: 609-758-1900
Website: www.newegyptspeedway.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/newegyptspeedwayofficial
Twitter: www.twitter.com/nesspeedway
Contact: Mike Wisniewski – Wiz Motorsports Communications, 856-982-5137
COMING EVENTS:
Saturday, August 17, 2019 – Back to School Monster Truck Summer Smash - Monster Trucks, Quad Wars and Demolition Derby
5:00 p.m. – Gates open
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Pit Party
7:00 p.m. – Show begins
Sunday, August 18, 2019 - Back to School Monster Truck Summer Smash - Monster Trucks, Quad Wars and Demolition Derby
2:00 p.m. – Gates open
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Pit Party
4:00 p.m. – Show begins
Tuesday, August 20, 2019 – Dirty Jersey 6 – Short Track Super Series – Modifieds, United Racing Club Sprint Cars and Crate Sportsman
3:00 p.m. – Pit gates open
4:00 p.m. – Grandstand gates open
6:00 p.m. – Hot laps start
7:00 p.m. – Racing starts
BUTLER REGISTERS HIS SECOND VAHLCO WHEELS MODIFIED FEATURE WIN OF THE YEAR
New Egypt, NJ (August 11, 2019) – On Toms River Night at New Egypt Speedway, Mike Butler registered his second Vahlco Wheels Modified feature win of the year. The Delaware Auto Exchange Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series main event went to Tim Tanner Jr. John Criscione was the victor in the Hammer Sportsman feature. Brian Spencer topped the field in the Street Stock race.
As the 30-lap feature began for the Vahlco Wheels Modifieds, Billy Osmun grabbed the lead with Cale Ross, Pat Wall, Rich Rutski and Blaine Bracelin next in line. By the third circuit and just before the first yellow flag waved for a multi-car tangle, Wall passed Ross for second with eighth place starting Mike Butler advancing into fifth. On the ensuing restart, Osmun maintained his edge with Butler motoring to the runner-up spot. Following another caution period on the fourth tour, Butler bolted to the front as action resumed with Wall in second and Osmun in third. Just as action was beginning to heat up on the fifth lap, Dakota Kessler’s ride came to a stop near the pit entrance and the yellow lights illuminated for the final time. When green flag racing returned, Butler fended off Wall to keep the lead with Osmun running in third. At the halfway point of the contest, Butler was increasing his margin over Wall and Osmun with Ryan Krachun in fourth and Danny Bouc in fifth. On lap sixteen, Bouc slipped by Krachun to move into fourth. With ten circuits left, the top two of Butler and Wall had pulled away from their rivals with Butler having a comfortable advantage. Over the final moments of the contest, Butler went unchallenged as he scored his second career Vahlco Wheels Modified feature win. Wall’s strong run netted him second place. With Osmun finishing third, Bouc came home in fourth after starting eleventh. Fifth place was claimed by Krachun. The winners in the Vahlco Wheels Modified heat races were Blaine Bracelin and Cale Ross.
In the 20-lap main event for the Delaware Auto Exchange Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series, Tim Tanner Jr. powered by Tyler Brehm on a lap six restart to take his second checkered flag of the season. With Brehm finishing second, Mark Bitner completed the race in third. Eddie Wagner’s last lap pass earned him fourth place over Ricky DiEva. Jason Dunn and Mark Bitner won the Delaware Auto Exchange Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series qualifying events.
John Criscione led from start to finish to win the non-stop 20-lap Hammer Sportsman feature. The victory was the first for Criscione in the division. Tenth place starting Bob Lineman Jr. finished in second place. With Joseph Brown in third, fourth place was captured by David Burns. Will Dupree completed the top five. John Criscione and Art Liedl were victorious in the Hammer Sportsman heat races.
After taking the lead from Vern McLaughlin on the seventh circuit, Brian Spencer paced the field the rest of the way to snare the victory in the 15-lap Street Stock race. The win was the second in a row for Spencer. Ninth place starting Mick Search took the runner-up spot. Third place went to Bill Liedtka. McLaughlin crossed the finish line in fourth. After an early race visit to the pits, Todd Dige came back through the field to take fifth.
The 2nd Annual Back to School Monster Truck Summer Smash will take place at New Egypt Speedway on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18. Each day will be action packed with Monster Trucks, Quad Wars and a Demolition Derby. On Saturday, August 17, the gates open at 5:00 p.m., the pit party starts at 5:00 p.m. and lasts until 6:30 p.m. The show gets underway at 7:00 p.m. On Sunday, August 18, spectators can be begin to enter the facility at 2:00 p.m. and can visit the pit area from 2:00 p.m. up to 3:30 p.m. Action starts at 4:00 p.m. Tickets and further information are available at www.monstertrucksmash.com.
“New Jersey’s Premier Dirt Track Facility”, New Egypt Speedway is located on Route 539 just minutes from Six Flags Great Adventure and the New Jersey Turnpike. A racy 7/16-mile D-shaped dirt oval, New Egypt Speedway serves Garden State race fans with some of the best competition in the country. New Egypt’s state-of-the-art facilities feature daylight-quality lighting and excellent sightlines from any seat in the house. The grandstands are fully wheelchair accessible with wide, clear, and well-groomed walkways. Concession facilities serve up everything from Jersey Burgers to ice cream treats at family-friendly prices.
For more information, visit online: www.newegyptspeedway.net, “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/newegyptspeedwayofficial, or follow us on Twitter @nesspeedway.
NEW EGYPT SPEEDWAY RESULTS – SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2019
Vahlco Wheels Modifieds
Heat 1 - 1. Blaine Bracelin 2. Billy Osmun 3. Ryan Krachun 4. Wade Hendrickson 5. David VanHorn 6. Pat Wall 7. Davey Sammons 8. Kevin Vaclavicek
Heat 2 - 1. Cale Ross 2. Rich Rutski 3. Danny Bouc 4. Mike Butler 5. John McClelland 6. Billy Pauch Jr. 7. Jimmy Blewett 8. Brandon Grosso
VAHLCO WHEELS MODIFIEDS – 30 LAPS FEATURE
1. MIKE BUTLER 2. Pat Wall 3. Billy Osmun 4. Danny Bouc 5. Ryan Krachun 6. Davey Sammons 7. Rich Rutski 8. Kevin Vaclavicek 9. Brandon Grosso 10. David VanHorn 11. Jimmy Blewett 12. Cale Ross 13. John McClelland 14. Billy Pauch Jr. 15. Wade Hendrickson 16. Chris Grbac 17. Blaine Bracelin 18. Mickey Kessler 19. Bob Rambone 20. Dakota Kessler 21. TJ Lilly
Delaware Auto Exchange Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series
Heat 1 - 1. Jason Dunn 2. Keith Anderson 3. Eddie Wagner 4. Randy Wilbert 5. Scott Frack 6. Tom Carberry
Heat 2 - 1. Mark Bitner 2. Ricky DiEva 3. Logan Diehl 4. Tim Tanner Jr. 5. Tyler Brehm 6. Joe Kay
DELAWARE AUTO EXCHANGE MID-ATLANTIC SPRINT SERIES – 20 LAPS FEATURE
1. TIM TANNER JR. 2. Tyler Brehm 3. Mark Bitner 4. Eddie Wagner 5. Ricky DiEva 6. Jason Dunn 7. Samantha Lieberman 8. Scott Frack 9. Logan Diehl 10. Joe Kay 11. Rick Stief 12. Larry McVay 13. Dom Melair 14. Keith Anderson 15. Randy Wilbert 16. Marie McVay 17. Chad Connor 18. Chuckles Stone 19. Tom Carberry 20. Jon Brennflech 21. Steve Voorhees
Hammer Sportsman
Heat 1 - 1. John Criscione 2. Joseph Brown 3. Joe Nappi 4. Jimmy Amato 5. Bob Lineman Jr. 6. Ryan Heim
Heat 2 - 1. Art Liedl 2. David Burns 3. Jim Housworth 4. JT Trstensky 5. Will Dupree 6. Jason Kosch
HAMMER SPORTSMAN - 20 LAPS FEATURE
1. JOHN CRISCIONE 2. Bob Lineman Jr. 3. Joseph Brown 4. David Burns 5. Will Dupree 6. Jim Housworth 7. JT Trstensky 8. Art Liedl 9. Joe Nappi 10. Ryan Heim 11. Jason Kosch 12. Jim Hawkes 13. Will Trstensky 14. Marty Resnick 15. Jimmy Amato 16. Jake Roveda
STREET STOCKS – 15 LAPS FEATURE
1. BRIAN SPENCER 2. Mick Search 3. Bill Liedtka 4. Vern McLaughlin 5. Todd Dige 6. Billy Wroble 7. Marty Derr 8. Joe Reid 9. Dennis Seeley 10. Chris Felber
Kerry Madsen, three others transfer to Knoxville Nationals
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World of Outlaws
Contact: Nick Graziano
World of Outlaws PR
ngraziano@dirtcar.com
Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article

Winner Kerry Madsen (Frank Smith Photo)
HARD FOUGHT RELIEF: Kerry Madsen wins Hard Knox race to transfer to Knoxville Nationals
Logan Schuchart, Shane Stewart and Dominic Scelzi transfer with Madsen into the final four spots of the Knoxville Nationals Feature
KNOXVILLE, IA – Aug. 9, 2019 – A demon was exorcised from Kerry Madsen Friday night.
His relaxed body posture and ability to smile wide proved it. The stress of not being locked in the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals that possessed him was gone.
He won Knoxville Raceway’s Friday night “Hard Knox” race, leading all 25 laps, locking himself into the 21st starting spot for Saturday’s 59th annual NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s General Stores.
“It’s a big relief I’ll tell you that,” Madsen said in Victory Lane. “Not putting her in the show (in the preliminary race) Wednesday night, we just didn’t have a great night. We didn’t perform and we didn’t execute. Come out tonight and the car was a rocket ship all night.”
While Madsen was the one that got to do the wing dance and wave the checkered flag Friday night, there were three other drivers in Victory Lane that shared his solace and big smile. Logan Schuchart, Shane Stewart and Dominic Scelzi also transferred to Saturday’s Feature – starting 22nd, 23rd and 24th, respectively – by finishing in the top four.
All four fought to make that happen.
The initial start of the 25-lap Feature was plagued by several cars stacking up on the backstretch – one flipping on its side – due to Brian Brown slowing from a broken part. When the race went back green Madsen held on to the cushion and used the momentum it gave him to accelerate to the lead. He then moved to the bottom and continued to put distance between he and second-place.
Behind him, the Drydene No. 1s of Schuchart rocketed from his eighth-place starting position to second in one lap using the high side of the half-mile track. Scelzi also charged from fifth to third, and Stewart fell to fifth.
However, two laps later Stewart moved into fourth and then began to hunt down Scelzi. He passed him for third eight laps into the Feature. About the same time, Schuchart caught Madsen and attempted a pass underneath him in turn one, but the Aussie switched lanes to the high side and began to pull away again.
“It was a bit confusing early of which line would be dominant,” Madsen said. “Watching the B-Main it was the bottom. So, I worked the bottom early. I heard him (Schuchart) up there and thought ‘Sweet, right, I can get to the top and go.' So, that was nice.”
The top four then acted as an accordion throughout the Feature, closing the gap to each other then extending it. Scelzi passed Stewart for third in the closing laps, but Stewart took the position back the next corner.
Scelzi did the most battling of the night, having to fend of multiple attempts by drivers to steal the final transfer spot from him. Sammy Swindell pulled a slide job on the California driver to take fourth-place, but Scelzi didn’t let the veteran keep it for long. He quickly powered back by Swindell and held onto fourth-place for the remainder of the race. Austin McCarl and Spencer Bayston put pressure on him in the closing laps, though.
Stewart’s vision of starting up front for the Knoxville Nationals – one he saw possible after setting Quick Time during Thursday's preliminary race – vanished on the first lap of his Heat race that night when he over shot the cushion and flipped, ending his night.
His vision of transferring into the Feature almost vanished with nine laps to go Friday night. A car spun directly in front of him, missing his KI Crossbows No. 5 car by inches when he drove by. And then with four laps to go, his car started to run out of fuel.
“We were completely out of gas coming across the checkered flag, so I wouldn’t have made it one last corner,” Stewart said. “Very fortunate. Happy that the CJB car is in the show.”
Schuchart’s second-place run was in a different car than the one he ran during his preliminary Qualifying race. He and his Shark Racing team switched from a new car to the one he finished second with at the Kings Royal.
To Schuchart, a chassis is a chassis. The new one didn’t work because of adjustments made to it. But he said he believes confidence is key. So, if the team felt more confident in going to the old car, that’s what they were going to do. It worked.
Madsen, the 2005 Knoxville Raceway track champion, found the right set up and cruised to the Hard Knox victory. He couldn’t wait for the race to be over, however, and the stress to be gone.
“I think all four of us during the last few laps there were looking going, ‘We don’t really care about winning, just let this thing end and the checkered come out,’” Madsen said. “I can’t tell you how relieving it is.”
Now their attention is turned to Saturday. The $150,000-to-win Knoxville Nationals. With it, a new kind of stress. How are they going to make their way from the rear to the front in the 50-lap race?
For 21st-place starter Madsen:
“Honestly, just going to push hard the whole way. We’re going to have to race hard for fifty (laps). There’s going to be no kind of strategy, patience or pace yourself. It’s going to be go hard.”
For 22nd-place starter Schuchart:
“I think we’ll keep it pretty similar for the start of the [Feature] tomorrow and have some things ready, our guys will be ready to change if we feel like we need to change it. I feel like we have a great car and I feel like and hope we’ll be able to race our way up there tomorrow.”
For 23rd-place starter Stewart:
“It’s really two twenty-five lap Features. Starting in the back where we’re going to be, you can’t settle. You have to get after it and try to race as hard as you can all fifty laps and see how it all shakes out.
“We need to get a little bit more traction. I feel like Logan and the 2 was a little bit better than we were. The thing is there’s twenty-four good cars that’s going to be in that A-main and every spot is going to be a tough spot to get. Hopefully it works out.”
And for 24th-place starter Scelzi:
“I can’t go backwards,” Scelzi said. “We’re going to be plus positions regardless. Just got to be smart, race smart. And, in all honesty, my goal is a top-ten. I think it’s realistic. I think it’s possible. My goal is to stay on the lead lap for the first twenty-five (laps) and then the second twenty-five. Hopefully we’re around fifteenth, sixteenth and see what we can do.”
UP NEXT:
The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series on Saturday, Aug. 10, will return to Knoxville Raceway for the 59th annual NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s General Stores. If you can’t be there, watch all of the action LIVE on www.DIRTVision.com.
Race Results: 8/9/19 - Knoxville Raceway
NOS Energy Feature (25 Laps): 1. Kerry Madsen (2); 2. Logan Schuchart (8); 3. Shane Stewart (3); 4. Dominic Scelzi (5); 5. Austin McCarl (9); 6. Spencer Bayston (17); 7. Josh Baughman (4); 8. Sammy Swindell (7); 9. Kraig Kinser (18); 10. Bill Balog (10); 11. Hunter Schuerenberg (1); 12. Terry McCarl (19); 13. Chad Kemenah (23); 14. Tasker Phillips (24); 15. Tyler Courtney (14); 16. Carson McCarl (20); 17. Sam Hafertepe Jr. (21); 18. Cale Thomas (6); 19. Travis Rilat (13); 20. Skylar Prochaska (22); 21. Thomas Kennedy (16); 22. Brian Brown (11); 23. Lynton Jeffrey
Qualifying Group A (2 laps): 1. 92, Sye Lynch, Apollo, PA (19), 16.151; 2. 48, Danny Dietrich, Gettysburg, PA (18), 16.153; 3. 11, Hunter Schuerenberg, Sikeston, MO (8), 16.205; 4. 5, Shane Stewart, Bixby, OK (13), 16.229; 5. 41S, Dominic Scelzi, Fresno, CA (28), 16.229; 6. 4, Terry McCarl, Altoona, IA (27), 16.276; 7. 15H, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Sunnyvale, TX (2), 16.288; 8. 39, Sammy Swindell, Lakeland, TN (4), 16.321; 9. 2KS, Austin McCarl, Altoona, IA (10), 16.340; 10. 21, Brian Brown, Grain Valley, MO (15), 16.357; 11. 1, Travis Rilat, Heath, TX (21), 16.369; 12. 39M, Anthony Macri, Dillsburg, PA (22), 16.383; 13. 7X, Justin Henderson, Tea, SD (7), 16.426; 14. 7, Craig Dollansky, Elk River, MN (36), 16.443; 15. 5H, Spencer Bayston, Lebanon, IN (39), 16.470; 16. 18S, Jason Solwold, Mount Vernon, WA (5), 16.474; 17. 49J, Josh Schneiderman, West Burlington, IA (32), 16.481; 18. K4, Chad Kemenah, Alvada, OH (35), 16.515; 19. 19T, Kevin Thomas Jr., Cullman, AL (14), 16.518; 20. 3C, Cale Conley, Vienna, WV (6), 16.547; 21. 51, Freddie Rahmer, Salfordville, PA (31), 16.556; 22. 7JS, Jason Sides, Bartlett, TN (1), 16.561; 23. 73AF, Joey Moughan, Springfield, IL (11), 16.599; 24. 5J, Jamie Ball, Knoxville, IA (12), 16.627; 25. 18R, Ryan Roberts, Aurora, NE (3), 16.679; 26. 28P, Brian Paulus, Mooresville, IN (29), 16.710; 27. 9X, Jake Bubak, Arvada, CO (26), 16.722; 28. 99X, Skylar Gee, Leduc, ALB, Can. (23), 16.724; 29. 70X, Justin Peck, Monrovia, IN (34), 16.777; 30. 45, Rusty Hickman, Bendigo, VIC, Aust. (25), 16.786; 31. 84, Tom Harris, Banbury, OXFD, UK (16), 16.801; 32. 33M, Mason Daniel, Springville, CA (30), 16.823; 33. 64, Scotty Thiel, Sheboygan, WI (24), 16.871; 34. 21P, Robbie Price, Cobble Hill, BC, Can (37), 16.874; 35. 2AU, Andrew Scheuerle, Toowoomba, QLD, Aust. (33), 16.907; 36. 2K, Kevin Ingle, Huron, SD (17), 17.415; 37. 56, Joe Simbro, Pleasantville, IA (9), 17.892; 38. 83C, Adam Cruea, Troy, OH (20), 18.021; 39. 2MM, Matt Moro, Polk City, IA (38), NT.
Qualifying Group B (2 laps): 1. 2M, Kerry Madsen, St. Mary’s, NSW, Aust. (7), 16.292; 2. 17B, Josh Baughman, Odessa, TX (17), 16.363; 3. 91, Cale Thomas, Fairland, IN (2), 16.372; 4. 1S, Logan Schuchart, Hanover, PA (38), 16.401; 5. 17BX, Bill Balog, Hartland, WI (1), 16.474; 6. 44, Chris Martin, Ankeny, IA (32), 16.487; 7. 40, Clint Garner, Sioux Falls, SD (10), 16.505; 8. 35P, Skylar Prochaska, Lakefield, MN (12), 16.506; 9. 83J, Lynton Jeffrey, Sydney, NSW, Aust. (14), 16.534; 10. 71BC, Tyler Courtney, Indianapolis, IN (36), 16.562; 11. 21K, Thomas Kennedy, Winnipeg, MB, Can. (15), 16.578; 12. 11K, Kraig Kinser, Bloomington, IN (16), 16.628; 13. 17WX, Harli White, Lindsay, OK (11), 16.640; 14. 27, Carson McCarl, Altoona, IA (19), 16.679; 15. 7TAZ, Tasker Phillips, Pleasantville, IA (13), 16.681; 16. 20, AJ Moeller, Rockwell City, IA (28), 16.686; 17. 7SW, Jeff Swindell, Bartlett, TN (33), 16.686; 18. 14M, Marcus Dumesny, Sydney, NSW, Aust. (5), 16.725; 19. 10, RJ Johnson, Tampa, FL (20), 16.726; 20. 55, Brooke Tatnell, Sans Souci, NSW, Aust. (26), 16.731; 21. 17W, Shane Golobic, Fremont, CA (34), 16.736; 22. 1X, Don Droud Jr., Lincoln, NE (22), 16.750; 23. 3P, Sawyer Phillips, Pleasantville, IA (3), 16.790; 24. 11C, Roger Crockett, Broken Arrow, OK (23), 16.807; 25. 2C, Wayne Johnson, Tuttle, OK (29), 16.848; 26. 29, Willie Croft, Roseville, CA (25), 16.858; 27. 3H, Jac Haudenschild, Wooster, OH (27), 16.907; 28. J4, John Garvin, Sarver, PA (21), 16.921; 29. 99, Brady Bacon, Broken Arrow, OK (35), 16.945; 30. 19P, Paige Polyak, Tiffin, OH (18), 16.948; 31. 56N, Davey Heskin, St. Michael, MN (39), 16.953; 32. W20, Greg Wilson, Benton Ridge, OH (37), 16.971; 33. 68, Chase Johnson, Penngrove, CA (9), 17.021; 34. 85, Chase Wanner, Batavia, IA (6), 17.051; 35. 15M, Bobby Mincer, Burlington, IA (8), 17.096; 36. 9JR, Derek Hagar, Marion, AR (4), 17.222; 37. 75, Glen Saville, Razorback, NSW, Aust. (30), 17.248; 38. 17XL, Caleb Helms, Findlay, OH (31), 17.301; 39. 74, Brodie Tulloch, Upper Caboolture, QL (24), 18.075
Group A Drydene Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. Brian Brown (1); 2. Justin Henderson (5); 3. Shane Stewart (3) / 4. Sam Hafertepe Jr. (2); 5. Jason Sides (8); 6. Jason Solwold (6) 7. Sye Lynch (4); 8. Skylar Gee (10); 9. Kevin Thomas Jr. (7) / 10. Ryan Roberts (9); 11. Robbie Price (12); 12. Tom Harris (11); 13. Joe Simbro (13)
Group A Drydene Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. Travis Rilat (1); 2. Sammy Swindell (2); 3. Dominic Scelzi (3) / 4. Josh Schneiderman (6); 5. Craig Dollansky (5); 6. Justin Peck (10); 7. Cale Conley (7); 8. Mason Daniel (11); 9. Brian Paulus (9) / 10. Joey Moughan (8); 11. Adam Cruea (12); 12. Danny Dietrich (4) DNS – Andrew Scheurele
Group A Drydene Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. Hunter Schuerenberg (4); 2. Austin McCarl (2); 3. Spencer Bayston (5) / 4. Anthony Macri (1); 5. Chad Kemenah (6); 6. Terry McCarl (3); 7. Freddie Rahmer (7); 8. Jamie Ball (8); 9. Jake Bubak (9) / 10. Rusty Hickman (10); 11. Scotty Thiel (11); 12. Kevin Ingle (12) DNS – Matt Moro
Group B Drydene Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. Kerry Madsen (4); 2. Logan Schuchart (3); 3. Tyler Courtney (1) / 4. Harli White (5); 5. RJ Johnson (7); 6. Wayne Johnson (9); 7. Davey Heskin (11); 8. Don Droud Jr. (8); 9. Glen Saville (13) / 10. John Garvin (10); 11. Chase Wanner (12); 12. AJ Moeller (6); 13. Clint Garner (2)
Group B Drydene Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. Thomas Kennedy (1); 2. Bill Balog (3); 3. Josh Baughman (4) / 4. Skylar Prochaska (2); 5. Brooke Tatnell (7); 6. Sawyer Phillips (8); 7. Jeff Swindell (6); 8. Brady Bacon (10); 9. Carson McCarl (5) / 10. Willie Croft (9); 11. Greg Wilson (11); 12. Caleb Helms (13); 13. Bobby Mincer (12)
Group B Drydene Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. Kraig Kinser (1); 2. Lynton Jeffrey (2); 3. Cale Thomas (4) / 4. Tasker Phillips (5); 5. Shane Golobic (7); 6. Marcus Dumesny (6); 7. Chase Johnson (11); 8. Derek Hagar (12); 9. Brodie Tulloch (13) / 10. Chris Martin (3); 11. Jac Haudenschild (9); 12. Paige Polyak (10)
C-Main (10 Laps): 1. Chris Martin (1); 2. AJ Moeller (4); 3. Rusty Hickman (5); 4. Willie Croft (6); 5. Greg Wilson (12); 6. Robbie Price (10); 7. Ryan Roberts (3); 8. Joey Moughan (2) / 9. Scotty Thiel (8); 10. Caleb Helms (17); 11. Tom Harris (7); 12. Joe Simbro (13); 13. Bobby Mincer (16); 14. Kevin Ingle (11); 15. John Garvin (9); 16. Chase Wanner (14); 17. Adam Cruea (15); 18. Roger Crockett (18) DNS – Danny Dietrich, Clint Garner, Jac Haudenschild, Paige Polyak, Andrew Scheurele, Matt Moro
Last Chance Showdown 1 (12 Laps): 1. Terry McCarl (2); 2. Sam Hafertepe Jr. (3); 3. Chad Kemenah (8) / 4. Josh Schneiderman (7); 5. Anthony Macri (4); 6. Jason Solwold (6); 7. Sye Lynch (1); 8. Justin Peck (15); 9. Rusty Hickman (20); 10. Craig Dollansky (5); 11. Chris Martin (17); 12. Greg Wilson (19); 13. Skylar Gee (16); 14. Cale Conley (10); 15. Brian Paulus (14); 16. Ryan Roberts (21); 17. Jake Bubak (13); 18. Freddie Rahmer (11); 19. Jason Sides (12); 20. Mason Daniel (18); 21. Kevin Thomas Jr. (9) DNS – Jamie Ball
Last Chance Showdown 2 (12 Laps): 1. Carson McCarl (3); 2. Skylar Prochaska (1); 3. Tasker Phillips (4) / 4. Brady Bacon (13); 5. Jeff Swindell (5); 6. Marcus Dumesny (6); 7. RJ Johnson (7); 8. Don Droud Jr. (10); 9. Davey Heskin (14); 10. Shane Golobic (9); 11. Sawyer Phillips (11); 12. Chase Johnson (15); 13. Brooke Tatnell (8); 14. Wayne Johnson (12); 15. AJ Moeller (19); 16. Derek Hagar (16); 17. Willie Croft (20); 18. Robbie Price (21); 19. Joey Moughan (22); 20. Glen Saville (17); 21. Brodie Tulloch (18); 22. Harli White (2)
David Gravel wins second Qualifying race for Knoxville Nationals
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Contact: Nick Graziano
World of Outlaws PR
ngraziano@dirtcar.com
Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article

Winner David Gravel (DB3 Photo)
BEST SHOT: David Gravel wins second Qualifying race for Knoxville Nationals
Gravel gets back-to-back wins at Knoxville Raceway and is locked into the Knoxville Nationals
KNOXVILLE, IA – Aug. 8, 2019 – Knoxville Raceway has been on David Gravel’s mind for a while.
Particularly the 59th annual NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s General Stores.
Before even making a lap in his new No. 41 Jason Johnson Racing ride at the beginning of the 2019 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series season, Gravel couldn’t help but mention his excitement for going to the Iowa raceway with JJR.
“That car is extremely good at Knoxville,” Gravel had said.
Six months later, Gravel brought the Knoxville Raceway crowd to its feet Thursday night by claiming his second win in-a-row at the iconic track during the second Qualifying race for Saturday’s Knoxville Nationals – which he locked himself into and will start outside pole. He also won the raceway’s Capitani Classic on Sunday.
“I really feel good about where we’re at,” said Gravel, who was also sporting a blue and florescent colors for new sponsor Axalta. “I was nervous drawing the seventy-one today, out of seventy-five, but we’ve been qualifying well all year and was able to capitalize on that and qualifying good. It was an awesome night.”
Gravel and his JJR team have been stellar in Qualifying all year long, with 12 Quick Times, so far this season. He was the third to last car to qualify Thursday night but still managed to break into the top-10, qualifying ninth on the aged track.
That set him up to start seventh in his Heat race. He held the position for about the length of the front stretch before diving to the bottom in the first turn, passing four cars. He worked his way to leader Sye Lynch, but had to settle for second at the end.
The start of the 25-lap Feature mirrored Gravel’s performance in the Heat race. He started sixth, but again held the position for about a second. He out powered two cars down the front stretch to take fourth by turn one and then passed Cory Eliason for third exiting turn two. Brock Zearfoss had pulled away with the lead and Brad Sweet held second-place.
Nine laps into the Feature Gravel put Sweet within striking distance. He looked underneath Sweet going into turn one. Sweet slammed the door, almost making contact with Gravel. The next time around Gravel moved to the high side and found more speed.
With 19 laps to go, he placed his right rear against the outside cushion through turn one and then cut down to the middle of the track through turn two. The move rocketed his car off the corner like he found a secret line of grip, projecting him past Sweet for second-place.
With the fire lit, Gravel continued his strong run into turns three and four looking to end Zearfoss’ time up front. He closed to the bumper of the No. 70 car but couldn’t match Zearfoss’ traction off the corner.
The next circuit around Gravel went low in one and two, then high in three and four.
“You have to search around and find something that nobody else does,” Gravel said. “Like when Jason (Johnson) won the Nationals he kind of entered high and turned down. I was kind of able to do that a little bit, but I feel you could spin your tires quite a bit. I feel like on the bottom you kept your tires underneath you the best."
His search for grip put him to the outside of Zearfoss down the front stretch with 18 laps to go. Zearfoss fought back the next corner. He charged into the first turn and slid up in front of Gravel.
The two raced hard the next couple of corners, battling side-by-side, even splitting the lap car of Jacob Allen through turn two and remaining side-by-side off the turn. A caution with 16 laps to go for Lynch blowing a tire ended their battle. When the race went back green Zearfoss slowed due to an ignition box issue, handing the lead to Gravel.
The race wasn’t a sure win for Gravel at that point, though. The 2018 Knoxville Nationals champion was behind him, eager to capitalize on claiming another Knoxville Raceway win and earning as many points as possible.
However, Sweet had to worry about holding off third-place Cory Eliason, first. The two California-natives battled side-by-side for several laps. Sweet prevailed in the end, finding his line and his rhythm. With five laps to go, he was back to Gravel.
The Watertown, Conn.-native’s pace had slowed so much it seemed like there was an issue with the Axalta No. 41 car. Sweet was now breathing down Gravel's neck. However, Gravel didn’t know it. He didn’t want to know. He knew his last few laps weren’t the greatest.
“I was just trying not to crash or hit the berm too hard,” Gravel said. “The last five laps weren't very good. Just had to get the job done.”
Gravel focused on hitting his marks and bringing new sponsor – Axalta, which Jeff Gordon helped JJR secure for the Nationals – to Victory Lane in their first race together.
“We’ve got all of the Axalta people here, Jeff (Gordon), so it can’t get any better than this,” Gravel said.
Sweet knew he was closing on Gravel and had visions of challenging him for the lead, but had his own problems in the closing laps.
“I thought we were going to have a run on him late there,” Sweet said. “We got close, but he covered his lines and a couple of lap cars messed me up. And I honestly just missed my marks a little bit. I think if I was a little more on my game I could have given him a run for his money there. But it’s all about Saturday night.”
Gravel and Sweet’s performance locked them into the Knoxville Nationals Feature on Saturday, along with 14 other drivers who locked themselves in by collecting enough points on their race night to be in the top 16 of combined points between the two Qualifying races. Aaron Reutzel will be on the poll, with Gravel to his outside.
“Just because we won tonight, and the Capitani, doesn’t mean we don’t have to improve Saturday night and get the job done,” Gravel said.
“It’s fifty laps. You never know what can happen. Anything is possible. I feel like this is as good of a shot we’re ever going to have. You never know when your next chance is to win the Knoxville Nationals.”
All Gravel is looking for is a shot to win the race. And he knows he has it with his JJR car being “extremely good at Knoxville.”
UP NEXT:
The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series on Friday, Aug. 9, will return to Knoxville Raceway for the “Hard Knox” race, giving drivers who haven’t transferred to Saturday’s Feature or Last Chance Showdown an opportunity to finish in the top four of the Hard Knox Feature and transfer to the rear of Saturday’s Feature.
If you can’t be there in person you can watch all of the action LIVE on www.DIRTVision.com.
Race Results: 8/8/19 - Knoxville Raceway
NOS Energy Drink Feature (25 Laps): 1. David Gravel (6); 2. Brad Sweet (3); 3. Carson Macedo (13); 4. Cory Eliason (2); 5. Rico Abreu (10); 6. Joey Saldana (7); 7. Tim Shaffer (21); 8. Parker Price-Miller (8); 9. Matt Juhl (5); 10. Daryn Pittman (22); 11. Jason Solwold (12); 12. Jason Sides (18); 13. Thomas Kennedy (17); 14. Lance Dewease (4); 15. Mason Daniel (20); 16. Kraig Kinser (15); 17. Scott Bogucki (23); 18. Brooke Tatnell (11); 19. Brock Zearfoss (1); 20. Clint Garner (9); 21. Jacob Allen (24); 22. Sye Lynch (14); 23. Harli White (19); 24. Tyler Courtney (16)
Qualifying: 1. 5, Shane Stewart, Bixby, OK (4), 15.679; 2. 49X, Tim Shaffer, Aliquippa, PA (7), 15.685; 3. 71P, Parker Price-Miller, Kokomo, IN (2), 15.706; 4. 83, Daryn Pittman, Owasso, OK (16), 15.717; 5. 12N, Joey Saldana, Brownsburg, IN (27), 15.74; 6. 21, Brian Brown, Grain Valley, MO (41), 15.759; 7. 1A, Jacob Allen, Hanover, PA (3), 15.76; 8. 28, Scott Bogucki, McLaren Vale, SA, Au (1), 15.763; 9. 41, David Gravel, Watertown, CT (54), 15.872; 10. 09, Matt Juhl, Tea, SD (14), 15.916; 11. 69K, Lance Dewease, Fayetteville, PA (24), 15.946; 12. 4, Terry McCarl, Altoona, IA (46), 15.987; 13. 17B, Josh Baughman, Odessa, TX (31), 16.018; 14. 91, Cale Thomas, Fairland, IN (8), 16.022; 15. 49, Brad Sweet, Grass Valley, CA (42), 16.037; 16. 26, Cory Eliason, Visalia, CA (45), 16.041; 17. 15H, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Sunnyvale, TX (13), 16.048; 18. 70, Brock Zearfoss, Jonestown, PA (9), 16.049; 19. 40, Clint Garner, Sioux Falls, SD (18), 16.061; 20. 17BX, Bill Balog, Hartland, WI (26), 16.107; 21. 35P, Skylar Prochaska, Lakefield, MN (19), 16.111; 22. 24, Rico Abreu, St. Helena, CA (43), 16.117; 23. 55, Brooke Tatnell, Sans Souci, NSW, Aus (29), 16.127; 24. 39M, Anthony Macri, Dillsburg, PA (21), 16.139; 25. 18S, Jason Solwold, Mount Vernon, WA (20), 16.15; 26. 14M, Marcus Dumesny, Sydney, NSW, Aust. (15), 16.157; 27. 2, Carson Macedo, Lemoore, CA (35), 16.172; 28. 3C, Cale Conley, Vienna, WV (37), 16.194; 29. 92, Sye Lynch, Apollo, PA (38), 16.218; 30. 11T, TJ Stutts, Liverpool, PA (23), 16.242; 31. 11K, Kraig Kinser, Bloomington, IN (25), 16.249; 32. 71BC, Tyler Courtney, Indianapolis, IN (36), 16.264; 33. 21K, Thomas Kennedy, Winnipeg, MB, Can. (12), 16.27; 34. 2AU, Andrew Scheuerle, Toowoomba, QLD, Aust (6), 16.277; 35. 7, Craig Dollansky, Elk River, MN (44), 16.289; 36. 7JS, Jason Sides, Bartlett, TN (50), 16.29; 37. 17WX, Harli White, Lindsay, OK (56), 16.325; 38. 9JR, Derek Hagar, Marion, AR (11), 16.327; 39. 33M, Mason Daniel, Springville, CA (28), 16.353; 40. 3P, Sawyer Phillips, Pleasantville, IA (30), 16.38; 41. 29, Willie Croft, Roseville, CA (32), 16.425; 42. K4, Chad Kemenah, Alvada, OH (47), 16.438; 43. 18M, Lance Moss, Cherryville, NC (52), 16.484; 44. W20, Greg Wilson, Benton Ridge, OH (34), 16.487; 45. 53, Jack Dover, Springfield, NE (48), 16.497; 46. 49J, Josh Schneiderman, West Burlington, IA (10), 16.498; 47. 28P, Brian Paulus, Mooresville, IN (5), 16.504; 48. 15M, Bobby Mincer, Burlington, IA (51), 16.531; 49. 17W, Shane Golobic, Fremont, CA (55), 16.546; 50. 44, Chris Martin, Ankeny, IA (49), 16.56; 51. 84, Tom Harris, Banbury, OXFD, UK (39), 16.631; 52. 21P, Robbie Price, Cobble Hill, BC, Can (33), 16.64; 53. 2K, Kevin Ingle, Huron, SD (22), 17.036; 54. 10, RJ Johnson, Tampa, FL (40), No Time; 55. 83C, Adam Cruea, Troy, OH (17), No Time; 56. 17XL, Caleb Helms, Findlay, OH (53), No Time;
Drydene Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. Jason Sides (1); 2. Lance Dewease (6); 3. Kraig Kinser (2); 4. Cory Eliason (5); 5. Brian Brown (7); 6. Skylar Prochaska (4); 7. Josh Schneiderman (10); 8. Marcus Dumesny (3); 9. Willie Croft (9); 10. Shane Stewart (8);
Drydene Heat 2 (10 Laps):1. Harli White (1); 2. Rico Abreu (4); 3. Tyler Courtney (2); 4. Carson Macedo (3); 5. Tim Shaffer (8); 6. Terry McCarl (6); 7. Sam Hafertepe Jr. (5); 8. Jacob Allen (7); 9. Brian Paulus (10); 10. Chad Kemenah (9);
Drydene Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. Brock Zearfoss (5); 2. Thomas Kennedy (2); 3. Brooke Tatnell (4); 4. Parker Price-Miller (8); 5. Scott Bogucki (7); 6. Cale Conley (3); 7. Josh Baughman (6); 8. Lance Moss (9); 9. Bobby Mincer (10); 10. Derek Hagar (1);
Drydene Heat 4 (10 Laps): 1. Sye Lynch (3); 2. David Gravel (7); 3. Mason Daniel (1); 4. Clint Garner (5); 5. Daryn Pittman (8); 6. Anthony Macri (4); 7. Cale Thomas (6); 8. Shane Golobic (10); 9. Greg Wilson (9); 10. Andrew Scheuerle (2);
Drydene Heat 5 (10 Laps): 1. Brad Sweet (6); 2. Joey Saldana (8); 3. Jason Solwold (4); 4. Matt Juhl (7); 5. Jack Dover (9); 6. TJ Stutts (3); 7. Chris Martin (10); 8. Craig Dollansky (2); 9. Bill Balog (5); 10. Sawyer Phillips (1);
C-Main (10 Laps): 1. Bill Balog (1); 2. Greg Wilson (7); 3. Willie Croft (5); 4. Chad Kemenah (6); 5. Robbie Price (11); 6. Andrew Scheuerle (2); 7. Bobby Mincer (9); 8. Tom Harris (10); 9. Kevin Ingle (12); 10. Shane Stewart (14); 11. Derek Hagar (3); 12. Sawyer Phillips (4); 13. Brian Paulus (8); 14. RJ Johnson (15); 15. Adam Cruea (16); 16. Caleb Helms (13);
Heat Non-qualifiers: 1. Tom Harris (1); 2. Robbie Price (2); 3. Kevin Ingle (3); 4. RJ Johnson (4); 5. Adam Cruea (5); 6. Caleb Helms (6);
Last Chance Showdown (12 Laps): 1. Tim Shaffer (1); 2. Daryn Pittman (2); 3. Scott Bogucki (5); 4. Jacob Allen (4); 5. Terry McCarl (6); 6. Sam Hafertepe Jr. (9); 7. Josh Baughman (7); 8. Shane Golobic (19); 9. Brian Brown (3); 10. Anthony Macri (11); 11. Cale Thomas (8); 12. Cale Conley (13); 13. Bill Balog (21); 14. Marcus Dumesny (12); 15. Chad Kemenah (24); 16. Greg Wilson (22); 17. Skylar Prochaska (10); 18. Willie Croft (23); 19. Chris Martin (20); 20. Lance Moss (16); 21. TJ Stutts (14); 22. Jack Dover (17); 23. Craig Dollansky (15); 24. Josh Schneiderman (18);
Trey Starks gets first Knoxville win during Knoxville Nationals week
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Contact: Nick Graziano
World of Outlaws PR
ngraziano@dirtcar.com
Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article

Winner Trey Starks (DB3 Photo)
BIG BREAK: Trey Starks grabs important first Knoxville win
Starks wins the first Qualifying race for the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals
KNOXVILLE, IA – Aug. 7, 2019 – Dozens of people surrounded him. Four women dawning silver crowns and white sashes stood directly behind him like statues. To his right, the 2019 360 Knoxville Nationals winner James McFadden. To his left, the 2017 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series Rookie of the Year Sheldon Haudenschild.
With the microphone up to his mouth Trey Starks admitted with a chuckle, “I don’t even know what’s going on right now.”
The Puyallup, Wash.-native had won his first race at the iconic Knoxville Raceway. Not just any race at the Iowa raceway, either. The Wednesday night event was the opening Qualifying race for the 59th annual NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s General Stores.
“I absolutely cannot believe it,” Starks said.
The victory was not only a celebration, but a relief. He and his team have been dealing with bad luck the past couple of weeks, he said. Recently, he failed to transfer to the Feature for Sunday’s Capitani Classic at the raceway, ran out of fuel before the end of Monday’s race at Southern Iowa Speedway and then blew the motor in his 360 Sprint Car on Tuesday at the same track.
Wednesday night was a different story.
He started the night qualifying 15th, which put him in the sixth starting position in the Heat race. He raced his way to fourth-place, grabbing the final transfer spot into the Feature – placing him fourth for the starting line-up.
When the green flag was presented in the Feature, polesitter Mark Dobmeier pulled away with the lead and extended it through turns one and two riding the low line. Behind him, hugging the cushion, Starks powered around the outside of Haudenschild and McFadden to go from fourth to second in the first corner.
Starks and Dobmeier then traded lines. Dobmeier began running high and Starks down low – a line he said he never runs at Knoxville. However, he was making it work. The black and yellow Buffalo Wild Wings No. 13 was growing bigger in his visor every lap.
Nine laps in to the 25-lap Feature Starks dove underneath Dobmeier into turn three and slid up in front of him by the exit of turn four. The lead was then officially his on Lap 10.
“I knew Mark was going to like the top,” Starks said. “I myself like the top. I hardly ever go to the bottom here. Frankly, I’m awful at it. I did OK tonight I guess.”
Starks built a gap between he and Dobmeier, each lap, continuing to run the bottom. And while he pulled away, Dobmeier was had pressure from McFadden for second.
McFadden had a run brewing to drive to the inside of Dobmeier exiting turn four with 13 laps to go, but a caution came out for Scotty Thiel, who spun in turn three.
A few laps after the restart, Dobmeier found himself back on Starks’ bumper. Finding more grip on the high side, Dobemeier went side-by-side with Starks down the front stretch with 10 laps to go.
However, Starks still found enough grip on the bottom to hold off Dobmeier’s attack. He changed his line in turns three and four, sliding up to the high side in front of Dobmeier, killing his run, and driving away.
Four laps later McFadden was able to build up a run again to challenge Dobmeier for second and this time complete the pass. The Australian was then on the hunt for Starks.
While Starks kept his E-Z-GO No. 44 up top, McFadden was slowly gaining on him by placing his Wicked Energy Gum No. 9 on the bottom of the track. However, he hit the inside berm with his left front wheel a couple of times, upsetting the car and hindering his charge for the win.
“We were there if Trey made a mistake, but he didn’t,” McFadden said. “I feel like if the race was longer we would have had a little bit more of a shot. But could’ve would’ve should’ve.”
McFadden ran out of time and had to settle for second. Haudenschild, after having to make a couple of big saves with his car during the race, snuck by Dobmeier in the closing laps to round out the podium. Starks went mistake free and saw the checkered flag for the first time at Knoxville Raceway
“We were solid in Qualifying, put ourselves in a decent spot,” Starks said. “We picked up the positions that we needed to in the Heat and I think we made the right adjustments and I made a couple of key decisions in the Feature that put us here where we are. It’s not miraculous what happened, it’s just not necessarily expected. We were just hoping for a solid night and build some good points.”
He did that, too.
His performance in qualifying, the Heat race and Feature earned him enough points – 463 – to be ranked fifth out of the 53 cars entered in Wednesday’s race.
Fifty-two more cars will compete Thursday night to also collect points. The top 16 in points, combined from the two nights, will lock themselves into the Knoxville Nationals Feature on Saturday. Aaron Reutzel is the current points leader – 487 points – with a second-place qualifying effort, runner-up finish in his Heat race and fifth-place finish in the Feature.
While points were important to Starks, his emotions were too focused on getting his first Knoxville win.
“I just cannot believe it,” an elated Starks said in Victory Lane. “I cannot believe it. We needed this one and tonight was the right time to do it.”
UP NEXT:
The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series on Thursday, Aug. 8, will return to Knoxville Raceway for the second Knoxville Nationals Qualifying race. If you can’t be there, make sure to catch all of the action LIVE on www.DIRTVision.com.
Race Results: 8/7/19 - Knoxville Raceway
NOS Energy Drink Feature (25 Laps): 1. Trey Starks (4); 2. James McFadden (2); 3. Sheldon Haudenschild (3); 4. Mark Dobmeier (1); 5. Aaron Reutzel (8); 6. Brent Marks (6); 7. Tanner Thorson (10); 8. Jac Haudenschild (12); 9. Paul McMahan (7); 10. Tim Kaeding (21); 11. Donny Schatz (24); 12. Gio Scelzi (22); 13. Tasker Phillips (14); 14. Wayne Johnson (13); 15. Austin McCarl (16); 16. Ian Madsen (23); 17. Carson McCarl (15); 18. Spencer Bayston (17); 19. Skylar Gee (20); 20. Justin Peck (9); 21. Jamie Ball (11); 22. Paige Polyak (5); 23. Jeff Swindell (19); 24. Scotty Thiel (18)
Qualifying: 1. 18, Ian Madsen, St. Marys, NSW, Aust (7), 15.165; 2. 87, Aaron Reutzel, Clute, TX (22), 15.331; 3. 7S, Tim Kaeding, San Jose, CA (15), 15.418; 4. 48, Danny Dietrich, Gettysburg, PA (2), 15.476; 5. 99, Brady Bacon, Broken Arrow, OK (17), 15.48; 6. 13X, Paul McMahan, Nashville, TN (18), 15.515; 7. 83J, Lynton Jeffrey, Sydney, NSW, Aust. (11), 15.523; 8. 71, Gio Scelzi, Fresno, CA (49), 15.548; 9. 57, Kyle Larson, Elk Grove, CA (27), 15.548; 10. 15, Donny Schatz, Fargo, ND (40), 15.567; 11. 19, Brent Marks, Myerstown, PA (14), 15.611; 12. 7X, Justin Henderson, Tea, SD (5), 15.626; 13. 11, Hunter Schuerenberg, Sikeston, MO (33), 15.638; 14. 19P, Paige Polyak, Tiffin, OH (1), 15.674; 15. 44S, Trey Starks, Puyallup, WA (26), 15.714; 16. 2M, Kerry Madsen, St. Marys, NSW, Aust (46), 15.76; 17. 1S, Logan Schuchart, Hanover, PA (37), 15.765; 18. 17, Sheldon Haudenschild, Wooster, OH (21), 15.78; 19. 41S, Dominic Scelzi, Fresno, CA (32), 15.794; 20. 1, Travis Rilat, Heath, TX (47), 15.8; 21. 68, Chase Johnson, Penngrove, CA (6), 15.807; 22. 9, James McFadden, Warrnambool, VIC, Au (44), 15.838; 23. 13, Mark Dobmeier, Grand Forks, ND (8), 15.865; 24. 70X, Justin Peck, Monrovia, IN (10), 15.871; 25. 88, Tanner Thorson, Minden, NV (38), 15.88; 26. 5J, Jamie Ball, Knoxville, IA (4), 15.91; 27. 39, Sammy Swindell, Lakeland, TN (24), 15.925; 28. 11C, Roger Crockett, Broken Arrow, OK (41), 15.945; 29. 18R, Ryan Roberts, Aurora, NE (3), 15.948; 30. 20, AJ Moeller, Rockwell City, IA (23), 15.967; 31. 1X, Don Droud Jr., Lincoln, NE (12), 15.971; 32. 3H, Jac Haudenschild, Wooster, OH (19), 16.017; 33. 2C, Wayne Johnson, Tuttle, OK (43), 16.025; 34. 7TAZ, Tasker Phillips, Pleasantville, IA (35), 16.025; 35. 27, Carson McCarl, Altoona, IA (20), 16.026; 36. 2KS, Austin McCarl, Altoona, IA (50), 16.027; 37. 5H, Spencer Bayston, Lebanon, IN (52), 16.028; 38. 64, Scotty Thiel, Sheboygan, WI (25), 16.034; 39. 7SW, Jeff Swindell, Bartlett, TN (45), 16.061; 40. 99X, Skylar Gee, Leduc, ALB, Can. (28), 16.068; 41. 85, Chase Wanner, Batavia, IA (48), 16.071; 42. 51, Freddie Rahmer, Salfordville, PA (51), 16.122; 43. 19T, Kevin Thomas Jr., Cullman, AL (42), 16.184; 44. 45, Rusty Hickman, Bendigo, VIC, Aust. (13), 16.203; 45. 74, Brodie Tulloch, Upper Caboolture, QL (9), 16.21; 46. 73AF, Joey Moughan, Springfield, IL (31), 16.223; 47. J4, John Garvin, Sarver, PA (16), 16.228; 48. 56N, Davey Heskin, St. Michael, MN (39), 16.268; 49. 56, Joe Simbro, Pleasantville, IA (29), 16.324; 50. 9X, Jake Bubak, Arvada, CO (34), 16.334; 51. 2MM, Matt Moro, Polk City, IA (36), 16.34; 52. 35, Zach Hampton, Plainfield, IN (30), 16.695; 53. 75, Glen Saville, Razorback, NSW, Aust (53), No Time
Drydene Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. Jamie Ball (3); 2. Austin McCarl (1); 3. Brent Marks (6); 4. Paul McMahan (7); 5. Kerry Madsen (5); 6. Ian Madsen (8); 7. Chase Johnson (4); 8. Chase Wanner (9); 9. Don Droud Jr. (2); 10. Joey Moughan (10)
Drydene Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. Jac Haudenschild (2); 2. Aaron Reutzel (8); 3. James McFadden (4); 4. Spencer Bayston (1); 5. Logan Schuchart (5); 6. Sammy Swindell (3); 7. Justin Henderson (6); 8. Lynton Jeffrey (7); 9. Freddie Rahmer (9); 10. John Garvin (10)
Drydene Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. Wayne Johnson (2); 2. Scotty Thiel (1); 3. Mark Dobmeier (4); 4. Sheldon Haudenschild (5); 5. Tim Kaeding (8); 6. Gio Scelzi (7); 7. Kevin Thomas Jr. (9); 8. Roger Crockett (3); 9. Davey Heskin (10); 10. Hunter Schuerenberg (6)
Drydene Heat 4 (10 Laps): 1. Tasker Phillips (2); 2. Jeff Swindell (1); 3. Justin Peck (4); 4. Paige Polyak (6); 5. Dominic Scelzi (5); 6. Danny Dietrich (8); 7. Kyle Larson (7); 8. Ryan Roberts (3); 9. Joe Simbro (10); 10. Rusty Hickman (9)
Drydene Heat 5 (10 Laps): 1. Tanner Thorson (4); 2. Carson McCarl (2); 3. Skylar Gee (1); 4. Trey Starks (6); 5. Brady Bacon (8); 6. Donny Schatz (7); 7. Travis Rilat (5); 8. AJ Moeller (3); 9. Jake Bubak (10); 10. Brodie Tulloch (9)
C-Main (10 Laps): 1. Freddie Rahmer (3); 2. Jake Bubak (10); 3. Rusty Hickman (4); 4. Matt Moro (11); 5. Brodie Tulloch (5); 6. Joe Simbro (9); 7. John Garvin (7); 8. Glen Saville (13); 9. Joey Moughan (6); 10. Zach Hampton (12); 11. Hunter Schuerenberg (1); 12. Don Droud Jr. (2); 13. Davey Heskin (8);
Heat Non-qualifiers, 0 Laps, No Time: 1. Matt Moro (1); 2. Zach Hampton (2); 3. Glen Saville (3)
Last Chance Showdown (12 Laps): 1. Tim Kaeding (2); 2. Gio Scelzi (6); 3. Ian Madsen (1); 4. Donny Schatz (8); 5. Danny Dietrich (3); 6. Kyle Larson (7); 7. Kerry Madsen (10); 8. Brady Bacon (4); 9. Lynton Jeffrey (5); 10. Dominic Scelzi (12); 11. Justin Henderson (9); 12. Logan Schuchart (11); 13. Sammy Swindell (15); 14. Kevin Thomas Jr. (20); 15. Chase Johnson (14); 16. AJ Moeller (18); 17. Rusty Hickman (23); 18. Jake Bubak (22); 19. Ryan Roberts (17); 20. Travis Rilat (13); 21. Chase Wanner (19); 22. Freddie Rahmer (21); 23. Matt Moro (24); 24. Roger Crockett (16)

ASCS National Sprint Series
Wayne Johnson Prevails In Sage Fruit Ultimate Challenge With The Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series
Bryan Hulbert - OSKALOOSA, Iowa. (August 6, 2019) Notching his 54th career victory with the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by the MAVTV Motorsports Network, Oklahoma's Wayne Johnson topped Tuesday's Sage Fruit Ultimate Challenge at the Southern Iowa Speedway.
"First of all, I know a lot of you have heard about my little buddy, Grady Chandler. This race is for him. That Polish Victory Lap was for him...Get well buddy, we're praying for you," stated Johnson in Victory Lane.

Winner Wayne Johnson (ASCS Photo)
Taking his place in seventh for the 25-lap SawBlade.com A-Feature, Johnson advanced to fifth on the grid after the initial start was nullified when Jon Agan and Shawn Murray flipped wildly down the back straightaway. Both drivers were unharmed. Rolling to the runner-up spot as the field completed the fourth circuit, Johnson trailed California's, Willie Croft.
Moving out on the field in the early laps, the driver of the Outlaw Wings No. 2c started moving his line around. Picking up steam on the Holley Smokes BBQ No. 29, Johnson pulled a nearly half straightaway disadvantage to a handful of car lengths as the pair reached Lap 10.
Working the top shelf of the Southern Iowa Speedway as Croft rolled the hub, the pair went head to head for the lead on Lap 12. Diving under the No. 29 through turns one and two, Croft answered the pass down the back straightaway; turning under Wayne retake the point.
Coming after Croft again a lap later, Johnson adjusted his line and raced back into the lead off the fourth turn. Caution working Lap 16, that quickly turned to red as Matt Covington caught fire, the field went under an open red.
On the race for the lead, Johnson stated, "We had a really good car and just needed to take my time. I just about crashed the thing coming off turn two trying to hard and I hit those damn tires they have there. After that, I just told myself to calm down a little bit...I don't know what he [Croft] did there off of two. Looked like he just got really loose and I had a big run. That was my time. I don't know how far I cleared him, but my hats off to Slippy, John, Kenny, and the Chick Magnet. They had this thing on a rail."
With adjustments made, the field refired with Wayne glued to the bottom of the track at the wave of the green. Leaving Croft to deal with the charging No. 15h of Sam Hafertepe, Jr. the Hills Racing entry grabbed second on Lap 18. The only driver at the front of the field to vacate the preferred low groove in turns three and four, Hafertepe was making up ground quickly on Johnson. Pulling to within six car lengths of the No, 2c at one point, that was as close as Sam would get as the checkered flag greeted the wily veteran 0.863 seconds before Hafertepe.
Willie Croft held on for third with Tucker Doughty posting his first career top-five finish with the series with a fourth-place run. Moving up from 12th, Scott Bogucki completed the night's top five for the eighth time this season. Blake Hahn crossed sixth with Dusty Zomer in tow after starting 11th. Winning the night BMRS B-Feature, Mason Daniel moved through the field from 17th to finish eighth. John Carney II was ninth with Jack Dover in tenth.
A field of 34 drivers converged on the Sage Fruit Ultimate Challenge with SCE Gaskets Heat Race wins going to Tucker Doughty, Shawn Murray, Willie Croft, and Blake Hahn. The BMRS B-Feature went to Mason Daniel. Two drivers, Robbie Price and Jordon Mallett, utilized Provisionals.
For other news, notes, and information on the American Sprint Car Series, from the National Tour to any of the nine Regional Tours that make up ASCS Nation in 2019, log onto www.ascsracing.com, follow on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter (@LucasOilASCS).
Race Results:
Lucas Oil ASCS presented by MAVTV
Southern Iowa Speedway (Oskaloosa, Iowa)
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Sage Fruit Ultimate Challenge
Car Count: 34
SCE Gaskets Heat Races (Top 16 in Passing Points advance to the A-Feature)
Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 2X-Tucker Doughty, [2]; 2. 2C-Wayne Johnson, [3]; 3. J2-John Carney II, [4]; 4. 21K-Thomas Kennedy, [5]; 5. 44-Trey Starks, [9]; 6. 77X-Alex Hill, [8]; 7. 24N-Nathan Mills, [7]; 8. (DNF) 50P-Harold Pohren, [1]; 9. (DNF) 47X-Dylan Westbrook, [6]
Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 22-Shawn Murray, [1]; 2. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr, [2]; 3. 28-Scott Bogucki, [3]; 4. 5-Dusty Zomer, [6]; 5. 21P-Robbie Price, [4]; 6. 17W-Harli White, [9]; 7. 5X-Jason Martin, [8]; 8. 5D-Zach Daum, [7]; 9. 76-Brad Comegys, [5]
Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 29-Willie Croft, [4]; 2. 95-Matt Covington, [6]; 3. 75AU-Kyle Bellm, [3]; 4. 7TAZ-Tasker Phillips, [5]; 5. 1-Travis Rilat, [2]; 6. 11-Roger Crockett, [7]; 7. 29B-Adam Mason, [1]; 8. 11B-Ben Woods, [8]
Heat 4 (8 Laps): 1. 52-Blake Hahn, [1]; 2. 4-Jon Agan, [2]; 3. 53-Jack Dover, [3]; 4. 33M-Mason Daniel, [5]; 5. 14-Jordon Mallett, [4]; 6. 3-Ayrton Gennetten, [8]; 7. 3P-Sawyer Phillips, [6]; 8. 14X-Ayrton Olsen, [7]
BMRS B-Feature (Top 6 advance to the A-Feature)
B Feature (12 Laps): 1. 33M-Mason Daniel, [1]; 2. 17W-Harli White, [2]; 3. 3-Ayrton Gennetten, [4]; 4. 1-Travis Rilat, [8]; 5. 77X-Alex Hill, [3]; 6. 11-Roger Crockett, [7]; 7. 14X-Ayrton Olsen, [14]; 8. 21P-Robbie Price, [5]; 9. 14-Jordon Mallett, [6]; 10. 5D-Zach Daum, [13]; 11. 76-Brad Comegys, [18]; 12. 5X-Jason Martin, [9]; 13. 24N-Nathan Mills, [10]; 14. 29B-Adam Mason, [15]; 15. 50P-Harold Pohren, [16]; 16. 11B-Ben Woods, [12]; 17. (DNF) 3P-Sawyer Phillips, [11]; 18. (DNF) 47X-Dylan Westbrook, [17]
Sawblade.com A-Feature
A Feature (25 Laps): 1. 2C-Wayne Johnson, [7]; 2. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr, [8]; 3. 29-Willie Croft, [1]; 4. 2X-Tucker Doughty, [2]; 5. 28-Scott Bogucki, [12]; 6. 52-Blake Hahn, [6]; 7. 5-Dusty Zomer, [11]; 8. 33M-Mason Daniel, [17]; 9. J2-John Carney II, [10]; 10. 53-Jack Dover, [14]; 11. 11-Roger Crockett, [22]; 12. 21K-Thomas Kennedy, [15]; 13. 17W-Harli White, [18]; 14. 7TAZ-Tasker Phillips, [16]; 15. 21P-Robbie Price, [23]; 16. 77X-Alex Hill, [21]; 17. 1-Travis Rilat, [20]; 18. 14-Jordon Mallett, [24]; 19. (DNF) 95-Matt Covington, [4]; 20. (DNF) 44-Trey Starks, [9]; 21. (DNF) 75AU-Kyle Bellm, [13]; 22. (DNF) 4-Jon Agan, [5]; 23. (DNF) 22-Shawn Murray, [3]; (DQ) 3-Ayrton Gennetten, [19]
Lap Leader(s): Willie Croft 1-11, 13; Wayne Johnson 14-25
Hard Charger: Roger Crockett +11
High Point Driver: Willie Croft
Provisional(s): Robbie Price (Points) / Jordon Mallett (Points)
2019 National Tour Driver Standings (Top 15): 1. Sam Hafertepe, Jr. 3,102; 2. Blake Hahn 2,971; 3. Scott Bogucki 2,918; 4. John Carney II 2,889; 5. Matt Covington 2,884; 6. Roger Crockett 2,787; 7. Harli White 2,620; 8. Robbie Price 2,582; 9. Jordon Mallett 2,467; 10. Tucker Doughty 2,349; 11. Alex Hill 2,346; 12. Jamie Ball 1,163; 13. Seth Bergman 826; 14. Wayne Johnson 762; 15. Jason Solwold 733;
2019 Race Winners: Sam Hafertepe, Jr. - 7 (5/17 - I-96 Speedway; 5/18 - I-96 Speedway; 5/25 - Lake Ozark Speedway; 6/5 - Lawton Speedway; 6/8 - Salina Speedway; 7/12 - Gallatin Speedway; 7/19 - Big Sky Speedway); Blake Hahn - 2 (6/20 - Skagit Speedway; 7/20 - Big Sky Speedway); Scott Bogucki - 2 (6/14 - Brown County Speedway; 6/15 - Black Hills Speedway); Thomas Kennedy - 2 (4/25 - Eagle Raceway, 4/26 - U.S. 36 Raceway); James McFadden - 2 (8/2 - Knoxville Raceway; 8/3 - Knoxville Raceway); John Carney II - 1 (5/26 - Lake Ozark Speedway); Travis Rilat - 1 (6/4 - Devil's Bowl Speedway); Roger Crockett - 1 (6/21 - Skagit Speedway); Robbie Price - 1 (6/22 - Skagit Speedway); Devon Borden - 1 (6/28 - Grays Harbor Raceway); Matt Covington - 1 (6/29 - Grays Harbor Raceway); Ryan Giles - 1 (8/1 - Knoxville Raceway); Wayne Johnson - 1 (8/6 - Southern Iowa Speedway);
Weather-Related Cancellations - 9: Devil's Bowl Speedway (3/15 and 3/16); Williams Grove Speedway (5/3); Selinsgrove Speedway (5/4); Lakeside Speedway (5/9); I-30 Speedway (5/11); Route 66 Motor Speedway (6/1); Creek County Speedway (6/6); Gallatin Speedway (7/13)
BACON GOES TAILBACK, WINS ULTIMATE CHALLENGE FROM 26TH
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POWRi Racing

Winner Brady Bacon (POWRi Photo)
BACON GOES TAILBACK, WINS ULTIMATE CHALLENGE FROM 26TH
OSKALOOSA, IOWA (August 6, 2019) - Accepting the RAMS Racing To-The-Tail Challenge, Brady Bacon of Broken Arrow, Okla. thrilled a capacity crowd at Southern Iowa Speedway on Tuesday night. Driving from 26th-to-1st in only 13 laps, Bacon was unstoppable aboard the Fatheadz Eyewear No. 99, banking upwards of $6,000 for his triumph in the Sage Fruit Ultimate Challenge with the POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League.
Welcoming 28 entries for the one-off appearance at the Oskaloosa, Iowa half-mile, Tuesday's show began as Riley Kreisel, Brady Bacon and Kevin Thomas Jr. topped heat race wins. Inviting the top six in passing points to the LRB, Inc. Dash, Bacon outdueled Thomas to win the four-lapper.
Stopping Bacon and Thomas on the front stretch in front of the fans, the crowd went wild as the RAMS Racing To-The-Tail Challenge was presented. After a little deliberation, Bacon agreed to terms, relinquished the pole and moved to start 26th with extra money on the line. After the standing-room only grandstands went bonkers, Ultimate Challenge promoter Terry McCarl stepped in to offer the challenge to Kevin Thomas Jr. as well, who promptly accepted it also and sent them into another frenzy.
While Zach Daum of Pocahontas, Ill. and Isaac Chapple of Wilkinson, Ind. led the 25-lapper to the green flag, all eyes were glued to Bacon and KTJ in the 13th row. Chapple paced the opening circuit over Daum as Bacon and KTJ both made massive moves as they tested the high side and advanced +10 spots in the first four corners.
The only stoppage of the race came after the first lap as Chapple led Daum, Davis, Parkinson and Landon Simon, while KTJ had worked to 14th with Bacon in 16th. Daum began to apply pressure for the lead as both KTJ and Bacon moved into the top ten. Finessing the cushion, Bacon stormed around the outside of KTJ on lap six and ensued to slide Parkinson to take over the fifth spot, making it a 26th-to-5th charge in just six laps.
Continuing to march forward, Bacon found himself trailing Chapple and Daum as they continued to battle for the lead. By the 13th circuit, Bacon maneuvered by both of them and moved his No. 99 into the race lead after starting 26th. Running away with a dominating performance in the second half, Bacon checked out while the battle for third heated up between Chapple, Simon, Davis, Kreisel and Thomas.
In the end, there was no stopping "The Macho Man" Brady Bacon on this night. After taking the lead from 26th in 13 laps, the Broken Arrow, Okla. native pulled away in the latter stages to complete the RAMS Racing To-The-Tail Challenge. His fifth-career POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League victory, Tuesday's triumph was Bacon's first in the Sage Fruit Ultimate Challenge as he claimed the championship belt.
Following Bacon to the line was Zach Daum in second and Isaac Chapple in third with podium results. Rounding out the top ten was Landon Simon in fourth, Riley Kreisel in fifth, Kevin Thomas Jr. in sixth-from-25th, Mitchell Davis in seventh, Kory Schudy in eighth, Don Droud Jr. in ninth and Korey Weyant in tenth.

Winner Brady Bacon (POWRi Photo)
Up next for the POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League is a Missouri doubleheader in two weeks. The "Non-Wing Nationals" roll into Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Mo. for back-to-back nights on Friday and Saturday, August 16-17.
For more information on POWRi Racing, you can visit www.powri.com online, follow @POWRi_Racing on Twitter and Instagram, or like POWRi on Facebook.
Hinchman Racewear Heat One (8 Laps):
1. 90-Riley Kreisel, Warsaw, MO (1); 2. 19P-Donovan Peterson, Brookings, SD (2); 3. 00-Steve Irwin, Fenton, MI (4); 4. 24-Landon Simon, Tipp City, OH (7); 5. 99-Korey Weyant, Springfield, IL (8); 6. 0-Brandon Stevenson, Holstein, IA (6); 7. 6-Frank Rodgers, Lucas, IA (10); 8. 93-Josh Most, Red Oak, IA (3); 9. 11W-Wyatt Burks, Topeka, KS (9); 10. 12-Wesley Smith, Nixa, MO (5).
Bell Racing HQ Heat Two (8 Laps):
1. 99X-Brady Bacon, Broken Arrow, OK (7); 2. 65-Chris Parkinson, Gladstone, MO (4); 3. 28-Kory Schudy, Springfield, MO (1); 4. 5D-Zach Daum, Pocahontas, IL (9); 5. 34-Sterling Cling, Tempe, AZ (6); 6. 41-Brad Wyatt, Kearney, MO (3); 7. 20-Steve Thomas, Rantoul, IL (5); 8. 2-Jason Billups, Holt, MO (8); 9. 12X-Doug Sylvester, Ottumwa, IA (2).
Schure Built Suspensions Heat Three (8 Laps):
1.19X-Kevin Thomas Jr., Cullman, AL (6); 2. 52-Isaac Chapple, Wilkinson, IN (5); 3. 7S-Chris Morgan, Topeka, KS (4); 4. 56-Mitchell Davis, Auburn, IL (9); 5. 1M-Don Droud Jr., Lincoln, NE (8); 6. 77K-Katlynn Leer, Moulton, IA (2); 7. 4-Braydon Cromwell, Lone Jack, MO (1); 8. 52F-Logan Faucon, Elkhart, IL (3); 9. 22S-Slater Helt, Harrisonville, MO (7).
LRB, Inc. Dash (4 Laps):
1. 99X-Brady Bacon (1); 2. 19X-Kevin Thomas Jr. (2); 3. 5D-Zach Daum (4); 4. 52-Isaac Chapple (3); 5. 56-Mitchell Davis (5); 6. 65-Chris Parkinson (6).
POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League Main Event (25 Laps):
1. 99X-Brady Bacon (1); 2. 5D-Zach Daum (1); 3. 52-Isaac Chapple (2); 4. 24-Landon Simon (4); 5. 90-Riley Kreisel (5); 6. 19X-Kevin Thomas Jr. (25); 7. 56-Mitchell Davis (3); 8. 28-Kory Schudy (12); 9. 1M-Don Droud Jr. (11); 10. 99-Korey Weyant (10); 11. 12-Wesley Smith (22); 12. 11W-Wyatt Burks (19); 13. 65-Chris Parkinson (4); 14. 0-Steve Irwin (8); 15. 20-Steve Thomas (17); 16. 19-Donovan Peterson (7); 17. 7S-Chris Morgan (9); 18. 34-Sterling Cling (13); 19. 77K-Katlynn Leer (16); 20. 0-Brandon Stevenson (14); 21. 22S-Slater Helt (21); 22. 52F-Logan Faucon (20); 23. 41-Brad Wyatt (15); 24. 4-Braydon Cromwell (18); 25. 2-Jason Billups (24); 26. 6-Frank Rodgers (23); 27. 93-Josh Most (DNS); 28. 12X-Doug Sylvester (DNS).
Lap Leader(s); Chapple 1-12, Bacon 13-25.
Hard Charger(s): Smith +11.
