Thirty years ago on August 11th, 1979, Ron Shuman came from fifth postion to grab the lead on the 15th lap and win over Randy Smith, Sammy Swindell (from 21st), John Stevenson and Shane Carson. Fast timer on Wednesday was Carson, in the Trostle #20, at 20.430 and Thursdays fastest time was Tim Greens 20.527 in the Jensen Construction #55. The cars were WINGLESS in 1979. The Wednesday night feature went to some young kid named Steve Kinser followed by Carson, Larry Clark, Randy Smith and Danny Smith. Thursday night feature winner was Green followed by Shuman, Wolfgang,Ralph Blackett and Jerry Potter. Only three of the above mentioned drivers are still active.

My first Knoxville Nationals was 1977, Wolfgang won, didn't like the outcome.
Went back the next year, Wolfgang won again, didn't go back in 1979!
Went back in 1980, got to see Steve win his first (of many) Knoxville Nationals, went home happy!

It was great to hear the Fly'n shu take that one. I think I was at Manzy and Wendy McDonald was giving updates. Made the crowd pretty happy. I might be wrong but I can not remember crap any more. The Nationals and the Western World were two BIG EVENTS back then.