5/28/04
Smooth Programs, New Rules, Surging Newcomers and Plenty of Racing
Knoxville has been keeping the program rolling, that’s for sure. Say what you want about other tracks, but Knoxville gets it done. Though rain has been in the area two out of the last three weeks, Knoxville is the standard bearer for how a program should be run. Pick your bathroom runs wisely!
Recently I was at a track that ran one sprint class with approximately 60 less cars than we see at Knoxville, with a handful of door-bangers as the under card. Despite being held on a work night, the show checkered after 11 p.m. Other than the opening WoO show, which was cold and long, things have been clicking around here. Chief among the reasons is the policy that cars must be to staging when the white flag flies of the previous race. This has left no less than three drivers scratching their heads in their pit stalls, but it is a rule that should have very little flexibility.
Billy Alley who torched the field with his quick time last week, was the latest victim. Whether it was last minute changes or mechanical problems, there is no bias when it comes to officials and rules at Knoxville. Alley fumed in his trailer, and was sent to the tail of the B where he finished one spot out of a transfer to the A main. Some flexibility should be shown to cars that transfer from race to race, and officials usually accommodate those cars to some extent. Additional discretion is given to cars that need quick repairs in the work area under caution, but generally things have been moving nicely.
Slower Times and New Rules
Times have been slower this season, and drivers have a couple of opinions why. The new wing rule is one of them. This year wickerbills (an air dam at the rear of the wing helping with downforce) are not allowed. The track’s new surface is also getting votes for slowing things down. As the Dunkin family continues to learn about the new clay, we will see which of these factors is the bigger culprit. Neither factor has affected the racing action. Two and three grooves have been the norm every race night.
The new tire rule is definitely a money saver for some teams in the 410 class. The same tire must be used in both the heat races and the feature. With 30 points on the line for a heat race winner, it’s hard to save your tires for the feature, but perhaps some who are in a transfer spot are doing just that.
Newcomer Update
Other than Alley and Josh Higday, who experienced ignition problems, the newcomers in the 410 class had another impressive showing last week. Jason Johnson moved up to third in the point standings after his runner-up finish to Travis Cram. Jesse Giannetto slid into the top five in points with a strong sixth place finish a week ago. He has seemed to gel well with crew chief, Glenn Freeland. Dave Giannetto has been seen in the pit area again, but is still suffering with some sore ribs following a pit accident at Burlington earlier this month. Jesse Hockett nailed down a 12th place run in the feature.
Cram stretched his lead in the points race and really dominated in traffic. Jason Johnson never got within shouting range in the non-stop event. Kerry Madsen greatly improved his standing in the season race by tallying more points with last week’s fifth place run than he had in all weeks previous. Lynton Jeffrey also vaulted into the top ten with a strong third place run last week.
In the 360 class, young Rager Phillips is three for four in making feature events. Jake Peters, who is a rookie to Knoxville points racing, has looked strong and gained in his pursuit of John Kearney. He now stands a mere eight points out of first place. Eric Jobe was another rookie to watch last week. The pole-sitter held on to a top five finish in the feature event.
The top three in the standings have separated themselves from the rest of the pack for the time being. David Hesmer, who is third is 135 points ahead of Eric Vanderploeg. Stacey Alexander was on a mission last week. Starting 14th in the B, he was able to grab the fourth and final transfer on the last circuit. He followed that up by starting last and surging to 12th in the main event.
Plenty of Racing in the Area
This weekend, you need not go far to get three or four nights of sprint action in. The 410 Sprint Bandits series will take to the 1/3 mile high banks of US36 Raceway in Osborne, MO near Cameron on Friday. Expect a nice car count, including a slug of Knoxville regulars with the purse paying $4000 to the winner and $500 to start the feature. The Sprint Bandits will bring their own contingent including Shane Stewart, Gary Wright, Aaron Berryhill, Travis Rilat, Zach Chappell and company. After visiting Knoxville on Saturday, the series will complete its weekend Sunday night at Butler County Speedway in Rising City, NE.
The 360 Sprint Invaders will be busy this weekend as well. Friday will find the series battling at Jacksonville, IL before moving to Columbus Junction here in Iowa on Sunday. Ryan Jamison has a narrow lead over Manny Rockhold in that points race. Several Knoxville regulars race with the Sprint Invaders including Jesse Giannetto, Brent Antill, Josh Higday, Larry Ball Jr. and Stevie Walsh.
If you enjoyed the IRA visit two weekends ago, you need not go far to catch their show at the Echo Valley Speedway in West Union, IA on Sunday. The newer facility of two in West Union is a must-see if you haven’t. Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, SD will be running 410 and 360 shows both on Sunday and Monday. Wherever you decide to go, drive safe and have some fun!