 KNOXVILLE,
IA (August 6-9) -- The 48th annual Knoxville Nationals attracted 111 drivers
from around the world in hopes of taking home the $150,000 winner's check. When
the 4-day event was over, Donny Schatz made history Saturday winning his third
consecutive Knoxville Nationals joining Steve Kinser as the only other driver
to win the event three times in a row. Schatz, driving Tony Stewart Racing's
Armor All #15, passed Jason Meyers on lap 25 of the 30-lap feature en route to
the historic win on Hoosier racing tires.
On Wednesday, half of the 111-car field was in competition with Wayne
Johnson winning the 20-lap feature. Johnson led every lap en route to the
$12,000 win. Johnson was the winner of last weekend's 18th annual 360 Nationals
at Knoxville. Johnson won both races using Hoosier racing tires.
On Thursday, Joey Saldana came from sixth place to win the 20-lap feature.
Saldana, who finished runner-up to Donny Schatz at the last two Knoxville
Nationals, mused after the win, "The 15 car wasn’t running tonight. I
always run second to that guy." Saldana also collected $12,000 for the win
while riding on Hoosier tires.
On Saturday, the start of the 30-lap feature was moved up as rains were fast
approaching. The race began with front row starter Jason Meyers taking the lead
from polesitter Danny Lasoski. Meyers led the first 24 laps before giving way
to Donny Schatz who had started fourth. Schatz led the race's final six laps to
capture his third consecutive Knoxville Nationals championship. The Fargo, ND
driver pocketed a whopping $150,000 for the win.
Jason Meyers finished in second place followed by Craig Dollansky, Danny
Lasoski and Steve Kinser.
All 24 starters in the feature race used Hoosier tires on all four corners
of their 410 sprint cars.
Hoosier's Neil Cowman, who attended all four nights of racing, commented,
"It turned out to be a great event. Our (Hoosier) tires held up well and
set the stage for an exciting event for both the drivers and the
fans."
Tire sales and service for the event was provided by Hoosier Tire Midwest
and their local tire dealer Jamie Moyle.
For more information about the race visit www.knoxvilleraceway.com.
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