A much drier day prevailed on Sunday, October 4th, when the Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals finally got to run. After three disappointing rain outs on consecutive nights, the final night was postponed until late Sunday afternoon at the famed Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa. The crowd was treated to great competition in the 100-lap feature, and in the end, it was Scott Bloomquist taking the win for the second time in the six year history of the event.
We had watched the weather forecast and kept an eye on radar ever since Thursday and had opted out of heading to Knoxville on any of the three previous nights that were scheduled. With the prospect of a much more pleasant night of racing on Sunday, we headed the vehicle toward Knoxville in hopes of watching the late models. By the time we arrived, the parking places were at a premium and people were tailgating and milling around everywhere. We were rather surprised to find the grandstands nearly empty when we made our way inside. When the motors started up however, the fans started pouring in and by the start of the first of five heats, there was a nice crowd on hand.
The heavy track did not produce anywhere near the record of 16.631 seconds around the 1/2-mile track during time trials. The five heat races also saw few cars advancing very far from their starting positions. The call was made to blade and repack the track before the C Main and B Main in hopes of a better racing surface. We were skeptical as were most of the fans around us, that this would make much improvement. However, we were proved wrong, as the rest of the racing was quite competitive and produced multi-line racing.
Twenty-eight cars started the 100-lap main event with NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart tagging the field. Those two drivers had to make the journey up from Kansas City after having competed there during the day, with Tony Stewart having won the Sprint Cup race. It was impressive to learn that both drivers, when interviewed from Kansas City, mentioned they were now on their way to Knoxville, Iowa to race. They were both allowed a hot lap session before the feature and although Stewart turned the fastest times of the day, the old saying of, "they run the best right before they blow" held true! His crew was able to get a new powerhouse inserted, and Stewart started the race in 27th position.
Shannon Babb took advantage of his pole starting position and led the race until about lap 65, when Scott Bloomquist put his familiar green and black #0 into the lead. Shortly after that, Babb entered the pits and a battle upfront between Bloomquist, Billy Moyer, Jimmy Mars and Brady Smith ensued. Mars would later retire to the pits and a new car was thrown into the mix when 20th starter Tim McCreadie made his way up to third position past Smith. Advancing well from 12th spot was Josh "Kid Rocket" Richards, previous winner Brian Birkhofer and fighting hard for position with Birkhofer was Tony Stewart. Scott Bloomquist took the $40,000 payday win, having repeated from 2005, Billy Moyer took second, third went to Tim McCreadie last year's winner, fourth to Brady Smith winner in 2007, fifth to Josh Richards, sixth to Brian Birkhofer, first winner from 2004, and Tony Stewart finished in seventh.
It was unfortunate that the full three day program was unable to be completed, but those fans who did see Sunday's show, saw a good one. Fifty-five drivers competed and we noted that perhaps only a handful of drivers did not return. It's very frustrating to drivers, fans, and promoters alike to have Mother Nature throw such a wrench into things, but there is no control over Her. Hopefully, the 7th annual running will have much nicer weather for the entire show.
There are a few more races within our area. We are going to try and make it to Beatrice, Nebraska this coming weekend for their annual Octoberfest show scheduled for October 9-10 and don't forget Shiverfest at the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson on October 24th. Shiverfest is always a great way to end the season around here. Fun for the drivers and kids alike as they trick-or-treat the participating drivers on the frontstretch.
Happy racing!
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