[JJMooney]

I was at Knoxville both nights this weekend. I’ve seen more than a few non-wing shows at Knoxville dating back 25 years to the SCRA days. Friday night’s USAC feature was the best non-wing race I’ve seen there. Watching Chase Stockon, Briggs Danner and Brady Bacon battle for the lead, dangling up top next to the fence, lap after lap, was really spectacular. The track had two workable grooves Friday night, the extreme top and extreme bottom.

I’d estimate Friday’s grandstand crowd between 800-1000.

The track was far more technical on Saturday night. The fast lines were in different parts of the track at different times. The good moisture (i.e. traction) was on the bottom. There can be nothing worse than seeing a car squirt along the inside, huggy-pole style. However, there were a few guys trying to make the top work. Once KTJ got the lead, there wasn’t much excitement up front. Although there were moments that I thought Ryan Bernal might catch him. Late in the race, the fast line shifted to the middle and guys that knew how to read the track started making that groove work. If that groove had come in earlier, it would have made for a better race. That’s the way it goes. Heat races were fantastic.

Crowd was much better on night two. Maybe 3,500?

USAC brought 31 cars both nights. Which I thought was respectable. Friday’s USAC feature paid $9,000 to win. Saturday paid $15,000. Friday there was a companion class of 48 360s. Saturday there was a companion 410 show which had 38 cars. Reserved seat tickets were $25 Friday. $30 Saturday. Compared to other shows I’ve been to, that’s very reasonable. Plus, you see a ton of racing.

I love Knoxville. The place is so special. If you haven’t been there lately, they’ve made some dramatic improvements to the lighting, sound system, Jumbotrons. Everything there is first-class. Plus, USAC is there during Hall of Fame Induction Weekend. If you're into sprint car history, seeing all these racing heroes from the past walking the grounds adds even more to the event.