Kyle Larson Finally Achieves Dream of Winning 60th Knoxville Nationals
Kyle Larson first attended the Knoxville Nationals in 2005 when he was 13-years-old. He instantly fell in love with the auora of the place.
For 16 years since, the Elk Grove, CA kid has dreamed of standing on the stage at the race they call The Granddaddy of ‘Em All. On Saturday night, that childhood dream became a reality, and Larson won the biggest race of his life.
What made it even sweeter for the 29-year-old sensation is that he had to beat Donny Schatz to do it. The Sprint Car superstar turned NASCAR Cup ace has made it clear in years past that he wanted to beat the 10x Knoxville Nationals champion at his own game while the Tony Stewart Racing #15 legend was still in his prime.
In front of a sold-out crowd of more than 20,000+ spectators, Larson did exactly what he dreamed of. He beat Schatz heads up on the Knoxville 1/2-mile, but Donny gave him everything he could handle.
A near last-lap, last-corner pass resulted in a margin of victory of 0.478-seconds, which ultimately netted Larson a cool $176,000, the highest-payday in the history of the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.
His breakthrough makes him the 27th different champion in 60 runnings of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals pres. by Casey’s General Stores.
“I’ve always dreamed of winning this race,” Larson shouted in victory lane. “The atmosphere this week was unbelievable. I felt the energy all week long from you fans. It kept me excited and pumped up. I hadn’t been this nervous leading up to a race in a couple of years. I had butterflies all day and during [NASCAR] Cup practice all I could think about is what I needed to do here at the Knoxville Nationals.”
Before Larson stood on stage and soaked in the glamour, a 50-lap war had to be run first. He started the race from third while 19-year-old Giovanni Scelzi and his brother-in-law Brad Sweet occupied the front row.
From the jump, Scelzi took his KCP Racing #18 to the lead and paced the opening 10 laps, which was worth an extra $10,000 thanks to Knoxville’s lucrative lap bonus money.
On Lap 11, fifth-starter Donny Schatz roared to life and rocketed from third-to-first in almost one full swing. He stormed by Larson and promplty passed the teenager prodigy down the backstretch to lead Lap 11. The Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #15 proceeded to control the next 14 laps, until Larson went by on the 25th circuit.
Watching as Schatz slipped off the bottom, Larson railed the high side and drove his Paul Silva owned Finley Farms, Hendrick Automotive Group #57 to the lead off turn two as the crowd erupted. The halfway #OpenRed made it interesting when Silva elected to only change the right rear tire, while the TSR squad threw two new rear tires on the #15.
Larson ran the second half of the the race unchallenged, until the five-to-go signal was given and Schatz kicked it into high gear. The 10-time Knoxville Nationals champion erased a 3+ second lead and cut Larson’s advantage down to a single-car length as the white flag waved on Lap 49.
Schatz gave it his all and pulled alongside Larson out of turn four, but fell short by a mere 0.478-seconds.
“I was thinking about how to beat Donny all day,” Larson mentioned. “We’re just a little California team. Paul Silva is the best there is. I’m so fortunate to be with him.”
Schatz settled for a second-place result worth a record $89,000. The Ford Performance, Carquest #15 driver extended his miraculous stresk to 18 top-two finishes in 23 A-Main starts at the Knoxville Nationals.
Brad Sweet ended up third with a $37,500 check in hand. The Kasey Kahne Racing, NAPA Auto Parts #49 now turns attention to finishing the chase for a third-straight World of Outlaws championship next weekend.
Rounding out the top-five at Knoxville Raceway was Giovanni Scelzi in fourth and Logan Schuchart in fifth.
Closing out the top-ten at the Knoxville Nationals was Brent Marks making $20,000 in sixth, James McFadden banking $19,000 in seventh, Kasey Kahne earning $18,000 in eighth, Carson Macedo cashing $17,000 in ninth, and Sheldon Haudenschild scoring $16,000 in tenth.
UP NEXT – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will run three races through the Dakota’s next weekend. The Greatest Show on Dirt will visit River Cities Speedway on Friday, August 20, then Red River Valley Speedway on Saturday, August 21, and Huset’s Speedway on Sunday, August 22.
NOS Energy Drink Feature (50 Laps) – 1. 57-Kyle Larson [3] [$176,000]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [5] [$89,000]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet [2] [$37,500]; 4. 18-Gio Scelzi [1] [$36,000]; 5. 1S-Logan Schuchart [8] [$21,000]; 6. 19-Brent Marks [4] [$20,000]; 7. 9-James McFadden [13] [$19,000]; 8. 83-Kasey Kahne [7] [$18,000]; 9. 41-Carson Macedo [17] [$17,000]; 10. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [20] [$16,000]; 11. 14-Kerry Madsen [18] [$15,000]; 12. O-Brooke Tatnell [11] [$14,000]; 13. 73-Justin Peck [15] [$13,000]; 14. 71-Shane Stewart [23] [$12,000]; 15. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss [24] [$11,000]; 16. 49X-Ian Madsen [10] [$10,500]; 17. 39M-Anthony Macri [22] [$10,000]; 18. 2-David Gravel [6] [$10,000]; 19. 7-Justin Henderson [14] [$10,000]; 20. 21-Brian Brown [9] [$10,000]; 21. 7BC-Tyler Courtney [12] [$10,000]; 22. 26-Cory Eliason [19] [$10,000]; 23. 24R-Rico Abreu [21] [$10,000]; 24. 48-Danny Dietrich [16] [$10,000]. Lap Leaders: Giovanni Scelzi 1-10, Donny Schatz 11-24, Kyle Larson 25-50. KSE Hard Charger Award: 17-Sheldon Haudenschild[+10]
[Read More]POS | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps | Behind | Led | Status | Points | Money |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 3 | +2 | 57 | Kyle Larson | 50 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $150,000 | |
2 | 5 | +3 | 15 | Donny Schatz | 50 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $75,000 | |
3 | 2 | -1 | 49 | Brad Sweet | 50 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $37,500 | |
4 | 1 | -3 | 18 | Giovanni Scelzi | 50 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $26,000 | |
5 | 8 | +3 | 1S | Logan Schuchart | 50 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $21,000 | |
6 | 4 | -2 | 19 | Brent Marks | 50 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $2,300 | |
7 | 13 | +6 | 9 | James McFadden | 50 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $2,200 | |
8 | 7 | -1 | 83 | Kasey Kahne | 50 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $2,100 | |
9 | 17 | +8 | 41 | Carson Macedo | 50 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $2,050 | |
10 | 20 | +10 | 17 | Sheldon Haudenschild | 50 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $2,000 | |
11 | 18 | +7 | 14 | Kerry Madsen | 50 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $1,600 | |
12 | 11 | -1 | 0 | Brooke Tatnell | 50 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $1,400 | |
13 | 15 | +2 | 73 | Justin Peck | 50 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $1,200 | |
14 | 23 | +9 | 71 | Shane Stewart | 50 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $1,100 | |
15 | 24 | +9 | 3Z | Brock Zearfoss | 49 | -1 Laps | Running | 90 | $1,050 | |
16 | 10 | -6 | 49X | Ian Madsen | 48 | -2 Laps | Running | 90 | $1,000 | |
17 | 22 | +5 | 39M | Anthony Macri | 41 | -9 Laps | Running | 90 | $1,000 | |
18 | 6 | -12 | 2 | David Gravel | 31 | -19 Laps | Running | 90 | $1,000 | |
19 | 14 | -5 | 7 | Justin Henderson | 29 | -21 Laps | Running | 90 | $1,000 | |
20 | 9 | -11 | 21 | Brian Brown | 29 | -21 Laps | Running | 90 | $1,000 | |
21 | 12 | -9 | 7BC | Tyler Courtney | 29 | -21 Laps | Running | 90 | $1,000 | |
22 | 19 | -3 | 26 | Cory Eliason | 29 | -21 Laps | Running | 90 | $1,000 | |
23 | 21 | -2 | 24R | Rico Abreu | 27 | -23 Laps | Running | 90 | $1,000 | |
24 | 16 | -8 | 48 | Danny Dietrich | 24 | -26 Laps | Running | 90 | $1,000 |
POS | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps | Behind | Led | Status | Points | Money |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | +1 | 41 | Carson Macedo | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
2 | 7 | +5 | 14 | Kerry Madsen | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
3 | 5 | +2 | 26 | Cory Eliason | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
4 | 8 | +4 | 17 | Sheldon Haudenschild | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
5 | 4 | -1 | 11M | Spencer Bayston | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
6 | 12 | +6 | 17W | Shane Golobic | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
7 | 6 | -1 | 11K | Kraig Kinser | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
8 | 10 | +2 | 25 | Scott Bogucki | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
9 | 17 | +8 | 56N | Davey Heskin | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
10 | 9 | -1 | 15H | Sam Hafertepe Jr | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
11 | 13 | +2 | 17B | Bill Balog | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
12 | 15 | +3 | 83J | Lynton Jeffrey | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
13 | 23 | +10 | 3P | Sawyer Phillips | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
14 | 21 | +7 | 3 | Ayrton Gennetten | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
15 | 3 | -12 | 42 | Sye Lynch | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
16 | 18 | +2 | 39 | Daryn Pittman | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
17 | 20 | +3 | 55 | Hunter Schuerenberg | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
18 | 16 | -2 | 49J | Josh Schneiderman | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
19 | 1 | -18 | 17X | Josh Baughman | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
20 | 19 | -1 | 70 | Sammy Swindell | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
21 | 24 | +3 | 5 | Zeb Wise | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
22 | 14 | -8 | 91 | Kyle Reinhardt | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
23 | 22 | -1 | 11N | Harli White | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
24 | 11 | -13 | 22 | Jac Haudenschild | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 |
POS | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps | Behind | Led | Status | Points | Money |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | +1 | 55 | Hunter Schuerenberg | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
2 | 9 | +7 | 3 | Ayrton Gennetten | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
3 | 3 | 0 | 11N | Harli White | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
4 | 11 | +7 | 3P | Sawyer Phillips | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
5 | 7 | +2 | 27 | Carson McCarl | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
6 | 4 | -2 | 28 | Tim Shaffer | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
7 | 15 | +8 | 11TK | Tim Kaeding | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
8 | 18 | +10 | N47 | Marcus Dumesny | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
9 | 5 | -4 | 11 | Roger Crockett | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
10 | 10 | 0 | 40 | Clint Garner | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
11 | 14 | +3 | 7TAZ | Tasker Phillips | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
12 | 22 | +10 | 13 | Mark Dobmeier | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
13 | 6 | -7 | 20 | A.J. Moeller | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
14 | 17 | +3 | 83T | Tanner Carrick | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
15 | 12 | -3 | 5V | Colby Copeland | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
16 | 24 | +8 | 53 | Jessie Attard | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
17 | 21 | +4 | 7W | Dustin Selvage | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
18 | 13 | -5 | 55W | Mike Wagner | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
19 | 19 | 0 | 53D | Jack Dover | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
20 | 8 | -12 | 55M | McKenna Haase | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
21 | 23 | +2 | 2KS | Chad Kemenah | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
22 | 1 | -21 | 2C | Wayne Johnson | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
23 | 16 | -7 | 24 | Terry McCarl | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 | |
24 | 20 | -4 | 73A | Scotty Thiel | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $0 |
POS | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps | Behind | Led | Status | Points | Money |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | +1 | 53D | Jack Dover | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
2 | 3 | +1 | 73A | Scotty Thiel | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
3 | 4 | +1 | 7W | Dustin Selvage | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
4 | 1 | -3 | 13 | Mark Dobmeier | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
5 | 5 | 0 | 2KS | Chad Kemenah | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
6 | 6 | 0 | 53 | Jessie Attard | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
7 | 12 | +5 | 1X | Jake Bubak | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
8 | 15 | +7 | 1M | Don Droud Jr | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
9 | 11 | +2 | 9JR | Derek Hagar | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
10 | 13 | +3 | 97 | Greg Wilson | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
11 | 9 | -2 | 55K | Robbie Kendall | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
12 | 14 | +2 | 18R | Ryan Roberts | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
13 | 10 | -3 | 65 | Jordan Goldesberry | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
14 | 21 | +7 | 1A | Jacob Allen | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
15 | 16 | +1 | 10 | Jeff Swindell | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
16 | 17 | +1 | 21W | Riley Goodno | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
17 | 18 | +1 | 11T | T.J. Stutts | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
18 | 19 | +1 | 7S | Jason Sides | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
19 | 20 | +1 | 2DC | Dylan Cisney | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
20 | 22 | +2 | 7C | John Carney II | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
21 | 7 | -14 | 44 | Chris Martin | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
22 | 23 | +1 | 13S | Tyler Esh | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
23 | 24 | +1 | 15M | Bobby Mincer | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
24 | 8 | -16 | 20G | Noah Gass | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 |
POS | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps | Behind | Led | Status | Points | Money |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | 0 | 7S | Jason Sides | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
2 | 2 | 0 | 2DC | Dylan Cisney | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
3 | 3 | 0 | 1A | Jacob Allen | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
4 | 4 | 0 | 7C | John Carney II | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
5 | 5 | 0 | 13S | Tyler Esh | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
6 | 6 | 0 | 15M | Bobby Mincer | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
7 | 7 | 0 | 2K | Kevin Ingle | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
8 | 8 | 0 | 14K | Victoria (Tori) Knutson | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
9 | 9 | 0 | 83A | Austin Miller | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
10 | 10 | 0 | 56 | Joe Simbro | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 |
NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey's General Stores
Saturday, August 14, 2021
Knoxville Raceway
1000 North Lincoln Street
Knoxville, Iowa 50138
Series Racing
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series
To Win Amount
$176,000.00
Event Schedule
Wednesday, BRANDT Professional Agriculture Qualifying Night:
9am – Rooftop Yoga on Bryan Clauson Suite Tower
Noon - Drive for 5 Slideways Showcase Kart Racing Fundraiser with Kyle Larson and Tyler Courtney at Slideways
3pm – Great Southern Bank Kid Zone Opens featuring a Casey’s Pizza Party
5:45pm – David Gravel Champion Pole Unveil on Midway
6pm – VFW Winged Nation presented by Sage Fruit on the Hercules Tires Entertainment Stage
Opening Ceremonies: David Gravel Raises Champion Flag
Post-Race: "The Boys" live music on the Hercules Tires Entertainment Stage
Thursday, Wolfe Eye Clinic Qualifying Night:
**Throwback Thursday Vintage Racing T-Shirt Contest**
9am – Rooftop Yoga at Bryan Clauson Suite Tower
11am – National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum Members Only VIP Reception
2pm - PA Posse Party at Peace Tree Taproom in downtown Knoxville
3pm – Great Southern Bank Kid Zone Opens featuring a Jersey Freeze Ice Cream Party
6pm –VFW Winged Nation presented by Sage Fruit on the Hercules Tires Entertainment Stage
Post – Races: Damon Dotson Band live on the Hercules Tires Entertainment Stage
Post – Races: 52nd Chicken Feed at West End of Grandstands
Friday, FVP Preliminary Night:
9am -- Rooftop Yoga at Bryan Clauson Suite Tower
9am - National Sprint Car Hall of Fame Golf Classic in Pella
11am – Steve King Foundation Cornhole Tournament in Main Show Barn (far west end of midway)
3pm – Great Southern Bank Kid Zone Opens featuring free face painting from 3-6pm
4pm – Driver Autograph Session in Main Show Barn
6pm – VFW Winged Nation presented by Sage Fruit on the Hercules Tires Entertainment Stage
Post – Races: After Shock Rock Tribute Band on the Hercules Tires Entertainment Stage
Saturday, NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s Finale:
8:45am – 4.10 Dash and Kids Fun Run – Turn 4 Pit Gate
11am – NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s Parade – Downtown Knoxville
12pm – National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum Charity Auction
1pm – Great Southern Bank Kid Zone Opens with free ballloon twisting from 3-6pm
3pm – NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s Driver’s Meeting in Main Show Barn - Open to the Public
4pm - SPEED SPORT Pre-Race Show on the Hercules Tires Entertainment Stage
6pm – VFW Winged Nation presented by Sage Fruit on the Hercules Tires Entertainment Stage
1:30am – NOS Energy Drink Fan Finale Party in Main Show Barn
*All times Central
Options And Prices
$41-$198
Single Day tickets and 2-, 3-, and 4-day Packages available.
Grandstand Type
Bleachers/ Chairbacks
Family Section Location
Sections I & J
Handicapped Seating Location
Located in the front stretch grandstands. Wheelchairs and scooters seating is available in row 39 (AA & BB) Also is section D, row 1
Pit Age Requirement
Aged 17 and under require parent waivers - Aged 12 and under must remain in vehicle or the fenced in area between turns 1 and 2. All pit fees apply. All ages same price
Parking Cost
$10.00
Handicapped Parking Location
Behind the front stretch grandstands and behind Dyer-Hudson Hall.
Camping Availability
electric hookup, non-electric, onsite, sanitary facility, showers, waste services
Camping Cost
camping at the North Campground for $160 for 4 days. Water and electric hookups are available.
$176,000.00
Type of Grandstand
Bleachers/ Chairbacks
Stadium Seating
Foam or other seat cushions are permitted as long as they are not more than 20" wide. Stadiums seats are NOT ALLOWED
Handicapped Seating
Located in the front stretch grandstands. Wheelchairs and scooters seating is available in row 39 (AA & BB) Also is section D, row 1
Handicapped Parking
Behind the front stretch grandstands and behind Dyer-Hudson Hall.
Pit Age Limit
Aged 17 and under require parent waivers - Aged 12 and under must remain in vehicle or the fenced in area between turns 1 and 2. All pit fees apply. All ages same price
Personal Coolers
Soft side, collapsible coolers not bigger than 6-pack size and empty are allowed
ATMs
1
Alcohol Sales
Alcohol is available at the track
Smoking Policy
All grandstands are non-smoking. Smoking areas are available underneath stands.
Family Section
Sections I & J
Parking Cost
$10.00
Camping Availability
electric hookup, non-electric, onsite, sanitary facility, showers, waste services
Camping Cost
camping at the North Campground for $160 for 4 days. Water and electric hookups are available.
Knoxville Raceway
1000 North Lincoln Street
Knoxville, Iowa 50138
Track Phone
(641) 842-5431
Track Size
0.5
Track Type
Semi-banked clay oval
Sprint Car Track Record
14.351 seconds by Brian Brown on 5/22/21
Closest Airport
Des Moines International Airport
Track Map