Kyle Larson became a two time winner of the Nos Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals as he dominated leading all 50 laps and was never really challenged winning from his pole starting spot as heard live on KNIA. Larson got out to a big lead early by as much as three seconds when a caution waved for Chase Randall when he shredded a tire. After the restart, Larson was able to gap the field lapping cars within five laps of the restart. After the fuel stop at 25 laps, he again was able to pull away and maintain a healthy lead. Larson said in victory lane he was concerned with driver like David Gravel, Rico Abreu and Donny Schatz behind him.
Larson: “When you got guys like Donny, Rico, and David Gravel coming from deep it makes you a bit nervous, and I was trying to pay attention to the crumbling and it started to latch a little rubber. I was just praying for no cautions, and it all worked out.”
Runner-up David Gravel, who roared from 22nd starting position was inching closer, but never was able to mount a serious challenge. He said getting through all of the traffic likely slowed his momentum.
Gravel: “Had a really good run off of 2 and then I slid Carson and started racing him, then I got by Donny and we got to racing so if I could have just cleared those guys I wouldn’t have lost all that time,”
Donny Schatz, who was going for his record tying 12th Knoxville Nationals win, settled for 3ird. He said he just was not good enough.
Schatz: “We could get to the bottom pretty good, then we had those restarts and we kept pace with him for a lap. We just weren’t good enough, we made some changes on that yellow, but I don’t know if we got a tire that wouldn’t go, but I couldn’t hold the left rear down.”
Randall claimed the Rookie of the Nationals with his 13th place finish, and Anthony Macri was named Mr. Sprint Car. The Knoxville Raceway will take this coming Saturday off but weekly drivers will return to action on August 26th for Season Championship Night.
A main (started), 50 Laps, NT: 1. 57, Kyle Larson, Elk Grove, CA (1); 2. 2, David Gravel, Watertown, CT (22); 3. 15, Donny Schatz, Fargo, ND (3); 4. 18, Gio Scelzi, Fresno, CA (9); 5. 41, Carson Macedo, Lemoore, CA (5); 6. 49, Brad Sweet, Grass Valley, CA (16); 7. 24, Rico Abreu, St. Helena, CA (2); 8. 83JR, Buddy Kofoid, Penngrove, CA (8); 9. 55, Kerry Madsen, St. Mary’s, NSW, Aust. (7); 10. Sheldon Haudenschild (20); 11. 5, Spencer Bayston, Lebanon, IN (13); 12. 14, Corey Day, Clovis, CA (10); 13. 2KS, Chase Randall, Waco, TX (14); 14. Brian Brown (19); 15. 4, Ian Madsen, St. Mary’s, NSW, Aust. (11); 16. 8, Aaron Reutzel, Clute, TX (21); 17. 3J, Dusty Zomer, Sioux Falls, SD (12); 18. Parker Price-Miller (18); 19. Justin Peck (17); 20. 7BC, Anthony Macri, Dillsburg, PA (15); 21. 2m, Davey Heskin, St. Michael, MN (24); 22. 10, Scott Bogucki, McLaren Vale, SA, Aust. (23); 23. 1s, Logan Schuchart, Hanover, PA (4); 24. 39, Hunter Schuerenberg, Sikeston, MO (6). Lap Leader: Larson 1-50. Hard-charger: Gravel.