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.
Great racing both nights.
Unfortunately not a great crowd turn out. There are some local non-wing fans, just not enough. There is a new tower with even more suites in turn 2 so hard to estimate how many are over there. There is also infield seating and some buy pit passes and are only there to watch. Overall, hopefully enough to have it again and huge thanks to Jerry Petty for making it pay what it does.
Sprint cars are best on half miles! I support that every time.
As others have said, large grandstand and 2-3k people would not look like much. Knoxville also has significant income coming from suites and sponsorship which I think makes up the short fall in people in the stands. Plus never been much of a secret that the Knoxville Nationals funds the whole operation for a year. I think it is a great venue for USAC to be at and on the HOF weekend it is a good combo event. Hopefully they keep it going in 2026!
Originally Posted by Dirtfan:
Doesn't look like Bacon's in a USAC car till Sprint Week. Probably more fitting for him to break the record in Indiana anyway.
Interesting turn of events Saturday Night,heard Bacons version of what happened,anyone hear Leary's version of the incident?[/QUOTE]
I’d like to hear his version as well. Pretty obvious it was way too early in the race to try that move.
