WHAT TO WATCH FOR: World of Outlaws Head to Iowa for 63rd Knoxville Nationals
The entire Sprint Car world has converged on Knoxville Raceway for “The Granddaddy of ‘Em All”
KNOXVILLE, IA (August 6, 2024) – No more waiting. The 63rd running of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s is here.
The Sprint Car world has traveled to the small town of Knoxville, IA. The population sits just north of 7,000 but grows exponentially this week as “The Granddaddy of ‘Em All” invites people from all over the globe to the Marion County Fairgrounds. More than 100 drivers are ready to chase Sprint Car immortality, and tens of thousands of fans are ready to watch.
To go along with the unparalleled prestige of the Knoxville Nationals, the event offers up a massive purse that hands out more than a million dollars to the competitors on championship Saturday alone. This year’s winner will bank $190,000, and it pays $15,000 to simply make the finale.
It’s the most anticipated week of the year in Sprint Car Racing, and it has arrived. Another important chapter in the sport’s history books is ready to be written.
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Let’s look at the week’s top storylines:
SCHATZVILLE NATIONALS: As always when the Knoxville Nationals take center stage, many eyes will be firmly fixed on Donny Schatz and the Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing No. 15.
The numbers for Schatz at the sport’s most prestigious race are astonishing. He’s made the Saturday finale 25 consecutive years. The Fargo, ND native has won the main event 11 times including streaks of four in a row (2006-2009) and five in a row (2011-2015). He’s finished second another eight times and brought home his first third place run last year, marking his 20th podium finish.
The 10-time World of Outlaws champion again enters the week with one of the sport’s most coveted records within reach. Steve Kinser claimed 12 Knoxville Nationals titles during his illustrious career. Another checkered flag on Saturday would equal Schatz with “The King.”
BACK-TO-BACK?: Winning one Knoxville Nationals is difficult enough. Going back-to-back in the iconic event is another level of challenging.
27 different competitors can call themselves a Knoxville Nationals champion, but only seven have topped two in a row. The opportunity stands in front of Kyle Larson, courtesy of him leading all 50 laps in last year’s 62nd running.
The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion is entered aboard the Silva Motorsports No. 57 as the pairing seek a second straight victory in “The Granddaddy of ‘Em All.” It would also be Larson’s third overall, which would put him in the company of Steve Kinser (12), Donny Schatz (11), Doug Wolfgang (five), Kenny Weld (four), Danny Lasoski, (four), and Mark Kinser (three) as the seventh with at least three Knoxville Nationals wins on their résumé.
Larson is fresh off sweeping the Ironman 55 weekend with drives to victory from 21st and 12th along with a charge from 13th to the win at Monday’s Front Row Challenge.
RETURNING WINNERS: Beyond Schatz and Larson, the pre-entry list also features five more former event champions.
1983 winner Sammy Swindell will make a popular return after not partaking in the 2023 edition. In addition to his one Nationals win, the three-time World of Outlaws champion also owns seven more podiums including a trio of runner-ups (1981, 1985, 1990).
Back in 2005 Kraig Kinser sat on the pole and joined his father Steve Kinser on the list of champions by leading all 30 laps. The Bloomington, IN native also picked up a top five in 2012. He’ll be aboard the Premier Motorsports No. 70 for the second consecutive year at Knoxville in August.
2010 winner Tim Shaffer is looking to make his 17th main event. Shaffer’s triumph 14 years ago halted Donny Schatz’s run of four straight. The “Steel City Outlaw” is entered behind the wheel of the Deyman-Rudzik No. 49X.
Brad Sweet will be aboard the Kasey Kahne Racing No. 49 in search of his second visit to the hallowed ground of Knoxville Nationals Victory Lane. The “Big Cat” won in 2018, podiumed in 2015 and 2021, and has been in the top 10 in eight of his 11 starts in the finale.
David Gravel, the 2019 victor, may be the favorite to become the ninth different driver to earn multiple Knoxville Nationals victories. He and Big Game Motorsports have already amassed 13 World of Outlaws wins in 2024 including one at Knoxville in June. Gravel grabbed the first gem of the triple crown by winning the Kings Royal less than three weeks ago, and Knoxville could be the second piece to the puzzle for the current Series point leader.
A NEW CHAMP?: Only 27 drivers have been crowned a Knoxville Nationals champion through 62 runnings, but several current stars of the sport stand out as potential favorites to add their name to the list of legends and Hall of Famers.
Carson Macedo would love nothing more than to take the Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 to Victory Lane for the third time on the sport’s biggest stage. Johnson himself topped the wild 2016 edition, and David Gravel took JJR to the top again in 2019. Last year, Macedo won his prelim and finished a personal best fifth in the finale.
Giovanni Scelzi has posted fourth-place finishes in two of the last three Knoxville Nationals Features with KCP Racing. “Hot Sauce” also topped the 2021 360 Nationals, one of his three victories at “The Sprint Car Capital of the World.”
Logan Schuchart continues to bang on the door of a Knoxville Nationals title. He finished in the top five in three straight runnings including drives from 22nd to second in 2019 and 17th to third in 2022. Last year, he was running second in the Shark Racing No. 1S before a flat tire derailed his effort.
Brian Brown is always one to watch at Knoxville when August rolls around. “Blackjack” put together three consecutive runner-ups in the finale from 2012 through 2014. He’s a 66-time Feature winner and five-time track champion at Knoxville and ready to add a Nationals victory to his résumé.
Rico Abreu is undoubtedly one of the sport’s best that is still lacking a Knoxville Nationals title. He scored a top 10 back in 2017 and looked primed to challenge Larson last year until an issue while running second ended those hopes. He’s fresh off an impressive victory in the Capitani Classic.
Many more talented gassers including Sheldon Haudenschild, Michael “Buddy” Kofoid, Corey Day, Brent Marks, recent 360 Knoxville Nationals champion Tyler Courtney, and more will be in search of their first Knoxville Nationals win.
DARK HORSES: While it’s a rare occurrence, not always do the favorites pull into Victory Lane when the checkered flag flies on Saturday night. And the 2024 roster features a handful of names that might make some noise up front in the finale.
Chase Randall continues to prove he’s one of the sport’s top rising stars, and his performance at Knoxville has been a key contributor toward that reputation. He’s won three times at the half mile this season including a pair in 410 action. Last year, he earned JETCO Rookie of the Year honors with TKS Motorsports.
It may be strange to think of a former World of Outlaws champion as a dark horse, but with Daryn Pittman only running a limited schedule these days, he’s behind most in terms of recent laps. The 2013 Series titlist linked with Kreitz Racing to bring the No. 69K out from Pennsylvania to Iowa. He owns a trio of top fives in the finale, peaking at third in 2019.
Austin McCarl would love to be the first Iowan to claim a Knoxville Nationals title. The “Big Unit” sat on the pole two years ago in what was his third Feature appearance. McCarl is a two-time and the reigning Knoxville track champion in the 410 division.
ADDITIONAL ACCOLADES: Of course, the main goal of this week for every driver is to become a Knoxville Nationals champion, but there are plenty of other opportunities for achievement and recognition.
The battle for the MPV Express Jesse Hockett Mr. Sprint Car Award has already started as it takes points from the 360 Nationals, Capitani Classic, Front Row Challenge, and 410 Nationals to decide the winner of the $6,500 prize.
The JETCO Rookie of the Year acknowledges the highest finishing driver making their event debut. Every year the Knoxville Nationals invites a wide array of first timers looking to be the best among the rookie class.
With all the special paint schemes that team roll out, the DGRD Best Appearing Car Award rewards the one that stands out from the rest.
To go along with those unique liveries, many teams also create special uniforms for the week leading to the Avanti Windows and Doors Best Dressed Crew Award.
For the Saturday finale, there will also be the SprintCarUnlimted.com Pole Award and the KSE Racing Hard Charger and MPI Steering Wheel Hard Charger Award.
THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE
WHEN AND WHERE
Wednesday-Saturday, August 7-10 at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA
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CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (43/73 Races):
- David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (5986 PTS)
2. Donny Schatz – Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing No. 15 (-98 PTS)
3. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-130 PTS)
4. Giovanni Scelzi – KCP Racing No. 18 (-204 PTS)
5. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-252 PTS)
6. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-326 PTS)
7. Sheldon Haudenschild – Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing No. 17 (-354 PTS)
8. Bill Balog – B Squared Motorsports No. 17B (-784 PTS)
9. Brock Zearfoss – Brock Zearfoss Racing No. 3Z (-1016 PTS)
10. Kraig Kinser – Premier Motorsports No. 70 (-1232 PTS)
NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (16 Drivers):
13 Wins – David Gravel
7 Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
3 Wins – Giovanni Scelzi, Carson Macedo, Donny Schatz
2 Wins – Tyler Courtney, Rico Abreu, Kyle Larson
1 Win – Brad Sweet, Brent Marks, Brady Bacon, Michael Kofoid, Corey Day, Logan Schuchart, James McFadden, T.J. Stutts
FEATURE LAPS LED (22 Drivers):
317 Laps – David Gravel
227 Laps – Carson Macedo
178 Laps – Giovanni Scelzi
166 Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild
97 Laps – Donny Schatz
75 Laps – Rico Abreu
49 Laps – Logan Schuchart
47 Laps – Kyle Larson
44 Laps – James McFadden
34 Laps – Brady Bacon, Michael Kofoid
25 Laps – Brad Sweet, T.J. Stutts
15 Laps – Ryan Timms, Tyler Courtney
13 Laps – Anthony Macri
12 Laps – Emerson Axsom
11 Laps – Bill Balog
9 Laps – Parker Price-Miller, Corey Day
3 Laps – Brent Marks
1 Lap – Kalib Henry
SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (16 Drivers):
8 Quick Times – Carson Macedo
8 Quick Times – David Gravel
5 Quick Times – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Quick Times – Giovanni Scelzi, Michael Kofoid
3 Quick Times – Brent Marks
1 Quick Time – Landon Crawley, Brian Brown, Aaron Reutzel, Brady Bacon, Donny Schatz, Daryn Pittman, Cory Eliason, Brock Zearfoss, Rico Abreu, Chase Dietz
HEAT RACE WINNERS (36 Drivers):
25 Heat Wins – David Gravel
21 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo
19 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
16 Heat Wins – Giovanni Scelzi
12 Heat Wins – Michael Kofoid
9 Heat Wins – Rico Abreu
7 Heat Wins – Brock Zearfoss
6 Heat Wins – Donny Schatz, Logan Schuchart
5 Heat Wins – Tyler Courtney, Brent Marks
3 Heat Wins – Bill Balog
2 Heat Wins – Brian Brown, Landon Crawley, Corey Day, Garet Williamson, Kyle Larson, Anthony Macri, Daryn Pittman
1 Heat Win – Justin Peck, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Bill Rose, Ryan Timms, Danny Sams III, Emerson Axsom, Tim Shaffer, Nick Omdahl, Scott Bogucki, Austin McCarl, Brad Sweet, Spencer Bayston, Brady Bacon, Parker Price-Miller, Chase Dietz, T.J. Stutts, Kelby Watt
TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (58 Drivers):
33 Dashes – David Gravel
32 Dashes – Carson Macedo
29 Dashes – Giovanni Scelzi
28 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild
23 Dashes – Michael Kofoid
19 Dashes – Donny Schatz
14 Dashes – Logan Schuchart
10 Dashes – Bill Balog
9 Dashes – Rico Abreu, Brock Zearfoss
7 Dashes – Landon Crawley, Brent Marks
6 Dashes – Tyler Courtney
5 Dashes – Emerson Axsom, Corey Day
4 Dashes – Brian Brown, Brady Bacon, Anthony Macri
3 Dashes – Aaron Reutzel, Garet Williamson, Brad Sweet, Daryn Pittman, Justin Peck, James McFadden
2 Dashes – Cole Duncan, Cole Macedo, Kalib Henry, Danny Sams III, Kyle Larson, Parker Price-Miller, Chase Dietz, Ayrton Gennetten
1 Dash – Zeb Wise, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Bill Rose, Ryan Timms, Logan McCandless, Skylar Gee, Kody Hartlaub, Tim Shaffer, T.J. Michael, Craig Mintz, Brandon Spithaler, Sye Lynch, Cale Thomas, Kaleb Johnson, Nick Omdahl, Scott Bogucki, Austin McCarl, Christopher Thram, Kraig Kinser, Troy Wagaman Jr., T.J. Stutts, Freddie Rahmer, Jacob Allen, Lance Dewease, Kelby Watt, Will Armitage
MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (33 Drivers):
3 LCS Wins – Bill Balog
2 LCS Wins – Logan McCandless, Brock Zearfoss, Garet Williamson, Landon Crawley, Anthony Macri
1 LCS Win – Austin McCarl, Corey Day, Kasey Kahne, Koty Adams, Jace Park, Landon Crawley, Kevin Newton, Brenham Crouch, Sheldon Haudenschild, Brandon Rahmer, David Gravel, Nate Dussel, Cole Macedo, Zeth Sabo, Brooke Tatnell, Donny Schatz, Brent Marks, Cory Eliason, Kerry Madsen, Creed Kemenah, Joel Myers Jr., Hunter Schuerenberg, Kody Hartlaub, Lucas Wolfe, Larry Wight, Kyle Larson, Jesse Attard
KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (23 Drivers):
8 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz
6 Hard Chargers – Logan Schuchart
3 Hard Chargers – Carson Macedo
2 Hard Chargers – Aaron Reutzel, Michael Kofoid, Cale Thomas, Danny Dietrich
1 Hard Charger – Jace Park, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Brock Zearfoss, Chase Randall, Chris Windom, Noah Gass, Austin McCarl, Giovanni Scelzi, Sheldon Haudenschild, Landon Crawley, Sye Lynch, Bill Balog, Scotty Neitzel, Garet Williamson, Brent Marks, Larry Wight
PODIUM FINISHES (23 Drivers):
25 Podiums – David Gravel
19 Podiums – Carson Macedo
15 Podiums – Donny Schatz
14 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild
12 Podiums – Michael Kofoid
7 Podiums – Giovanni Scelzi
5 Podiums – Rico Abreu, Kyle Larson
3 Podiums – Brad Sweet, Tyler Courtney, Brent Marks
2 Podiums – Bill Balog, Aaron Reutzel, Logan Schuchart, Justin Peck, James McFadden
1 Podium – Anthony Macri, Brady Bacon, Cole Macedo, Parker Price-Miller, Ryan Timms, Emerson Axsom, T.J. Stutts
TOP 10 FINISHES (70 Drivers):
39 Top 10s – David Gravel
38 Top 10s – Donny Schatz
37 Top 10s – Giovanni Scelzi
35 Top 10s – Michael Kofoid
34 Top 10s – Carson Macedo
33 Top 10s – Logan Schuchart
29 Top 10s – Sheldon Haudenschild
19 Top 10s – Bill Balog
11 Top 10s – Brock Zearfoss
9 Top 10s – Tyler Courtney, Rico Abreu
8 Top 10s – Brent Marks, Brad Sweet, James McFadden
7 Top 10s – Anthony Macri
5 Top 10s – Aaron Reutzel, Corey Day, Kyle Larson
4 Top 10s – Cole Macedo, Landon Crawley, Brian Brown, Brady Bacon, Justin Peck
3 Top 10s – Cole Duncan, Skylar Gee, Ryan Timms, Garet Williamson, Emerson Axsom, Zeb Wise, Danny Dietrich
2 Top 10s – Chase Randall, Kraig Kinser, Cale Thomas, Jacob Allen, Parker Price-Miller, Cory Eliason, Chase Dietz, Troy Wagaman Jr., Daryn Pittman, Ayrton Gennetten
1 Top 10 – Kasey Kahne, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Chris Windom, Joe B. Miller, Scotty Milan, Brandon Spithaler, Kalib Henry, Tim Shaffer, Zane DeVault, Sye Lynch, Travis Philo, Trey Jacobs, Scotty Thiel, Mark Dobmeier, Kaleb Johnson, Scott Bogucki, Austin McCarl, Tim Kaeding, Christopher Thram, Landon Brooks, Greg Wilson, Spencer Bayston, Daison Pursley, Devon Borden, T.J. Stutts, Freddie Rahmer, Lance Dewease, Stewart Friesen, Jordan Poirier, Larry Wight
2024 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:
No. / Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins)
- Wed, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Brad Sweet (1)
2. Thurs, Feb 8 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (1)
3. Fri, Feb 9 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Tyler Courtney (1)
4. Sat, Feb 10 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Sheldon Haudenschild (1)
5. Mon, March 4 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Donny Schatz (1)
6. Fri, March 15 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / Brent Marks (1)
7. Sat, March 16 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / Giovanni Scelzi (1)
8. Sat, March 23 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX / Carson Macedo (1)
9. Sat, March 30 / 81 Speedway / Wichita, KS / Rico Abreu (1)
10. Fri, April 5 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO / David Gravel (2)
11. Sat, April 6 / Arrowhead Speedway / Colcord, OK / Sheldon Haudenschild (2)
12. Fri, April 12 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / David Gravel (3)
13. Sat, April 13 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / Donny Schatz (2)
14. Fri, April 19 / Paducah International Raceway / Paducah, KY / Sheldon Haudenschild (3)
15. Sat, April 20 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Brady Bacon (1)
16. Wed, May 1 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL / David Gravel (4)
17. Fri, May 3 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Sheldon Haudenschild (4)
18. Sat, May 4 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / David Gravel (5)
19. Wed, May 8 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / David Gravel (6)
20. Fri, May 17 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / Michael Kofoid (1)
21. Sat, May 18 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH / David Gravel (7)
22. Fri, May 24 / Atomic Speedway / Chillicothe, OH / David Gravel (8)
23. Sat, May 25 / Atomic Speedway / Chillicothe, OH / Sheldon Haudenschild (5)
24. Mon, May 27 / Fremont Speedway / Fremont, OH / Carson Macedo (2)
25. Fri, May 31 / Beaver Dam Raceway / Beaver Dam, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (6)
26. Fri, June 7 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Giovanni Scelzi (2)
27. Sat, June 8 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN / Sheldon Haudenschild (7)
28. Fri, June 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / David Gravel (9)
29. Sat, June 15 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Corey Day (1)
30. Wed, June 19 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Tyler Courtney (2)
31. Sat, June 29 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / Logan Schuchart (1)
32. Wed, July 10 / Beaver Dam Raceway / Beaver Dam, WI / Giovanni Scelzi (3)
33. Fri, July 12 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Carson Macedo (3)
34. Sat, July 13 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Donny Schatz (3)
35. Tues, July 16 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / David Gravel (10)
36. Fri, July 19 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Rico Abreu (2)
37. Sat, July 20 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / David Gravel (11)
38. Wed, July 24 / BAPS Motor Speedway / York Haven, PA / James McFadden (1)
39. Fri, July 26 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / T.J. Stutts (1)
40. Sat, July 27 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (12)
41. Sun, July 28 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / David Gravel (13)
42. Fri, August 2 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / Kyle Larson (1)
43. Sat, August 3 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / Kyle Larson (2)
For the remaining 2024 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car schedule, CLICK HERE.