The Knoxville Raceway crowned three points champions on Saturday, and like anything at the Knoxville Raceway, conventional was not in the norm. Tyler Groenendyk was the only driver to clinch a points title that did not have any drama come his way as he held a 266 point lead and was never threatened winning the final A-Main of the season in the Pro Sprints class and clinching the season championship. Gronendyk told KNIA/KRLS Sports it was nice to feel no pressure going into the final race night.
Groenendyk:
“First night we came in where we had no pressure, then we got the pole, and now we have pressure, but just thanks to everyone who supported us and a great crew that made the right set up decisions.”
Clint Garner roared from 80 points back to steal his ninth career points title when Ryan Giles, who seemingly had it clinched, dropped out of the A-Main with seven laps to go. It then became a battle between Garner and Jamie Ball. With two laps remaining, Scott Bogucki passed ball for the lead and the eventual race win and Garner finished in third place giving him the points title by just 17 points over Ball. Garner said his power plant under the hood was a key to his comeback…
Garne:
“This came from under the hood again, these championships belong to Al Parker. Giles had this thing clinched until he left a puddle of oil on the track. Parker Engines, Action Auto, and everyone who helped get us down here deserve all the thanks.”
In the 410s it also came down to three drivers, Davey Heskin, Justin Henderson and Brian Brown. Early in the A-Main Henderson was eliminated in a crash, and with Brown running away with the last half of the race, Heskin had to finish no worse than fifth to clinch the title. However it was easier said than done as Heskin started 13th and charged to fourth place to win his first career 410 points title as Brown ran away with the feature win. Heskin also needed every position as he won by a total of 15 points. He told KNIA/KRLS Sports when Henderson dropped out he knew he still had a shot…
Heskin:
“We worked hard to get it from Brian and take it out of his grasp, and that yellow really helped me. I wish we could have done it the right way with Justin getting crashed out like he did, but thanks to the Lord above and everyone who helped get me to this place.”
That concluded the 2021 sprint car season at the Knoxville Raceway, however there is one more event on tap with the 17th Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals September 16th-18th.