Two weekends, two seasons, two shows complete at Knoxville – rain puts IMCA Shootout on hold until June 3

After the opening weekend rainout, winter rang in the 2012 season at Knoxville as the Outlaw show was very, very cold.  Hopefully you have checked out Jeff and Eric’s blogs on the opener – they did their usual great job in getting the word out, so I will be limited on the events of April 28.

 Even with the cold, damp conditions, I thought the track came in nicely. By the time heat races were ready to roll, the dirt was blowing off the track, and the groove was widening. The track was fast, smooth and allowed for a lot of room to race. The action in the 360 feature was great, even though the finish was decided in the tech area. I hate when that happens, but that’s why there are rules. I have a feeling we will see Nate Van Haaften and Josh Higday contending for wins throughout the season.

Nate Van Haaften celebrates his opening night 360 sprint victory. - Conrad Nelson photo

Sammy Swindell continued to prove his strong start to 2012 is no fluke, smoking the field in the Outlaw main event. He went on to back up his Knoxville performance with a win at Eldora last Saturday. Let’s hear it for old age and treachery.

Sammy Swindell is all smiles after his World of Outlaws win at Knoxville - Conrad Nelson photo

Last weekend the weekly Knoxville racing program got underway with summer-like heat and humidity and a healthy car count in all three classes. Again, the track proved to be smooth and fast. The bottom groove was not as preferred as the top. By the end of the 410 feature, the fast was around was up top, but during the 305 and 360 mains, there was passing from the middle to the top.

There was a little flying too. Austin Johnson left the park during the 410 main, sailing over the turn-three fence and through the billboard. He emerged OK, but the car brought a souvenir back to the pits, as you can see in this photo from Conrad Nelson. Fortunately for Johnson he missed getting hit by this bit of the billboard support.

Austin Johnson brought a friend back to the pits (note the lumber) after going over the turn three fence during Saturday night's 410 sprint feature. - Conrad Nelson photo

The 305 feature also got off to a rocky start as the front row of Cody Ambers and Josh Jones came together in turn two. Ambers was high, Jones was low and drifted up the track putting Ambers into the fence. After coming to a stop, the Ambers car was then collected by Dakota Hendrickson and Andrew Shelton. All were OK, but they were also out of the race. Once the green stayed out for good, Steve Breazeale ran off with the win.

Cody Ambers (92c) goes for a ride after contact with Josh Jones (02s) at the start of the 305 main event on May 5 (top). Emergency crew members rush to Ambers after he was collected by two more cars in the incident. - BWJ photo

In the 360 main, it looked like Jason Johnson would run off and hide as well, but a caution brought the field back to him and eventually Clint Garner and Gregg Bakker would emerge from that field and take the top two spots. Johnson finished third.  After moving up from the 305s this season, Jamie Ball and Carson McCarl have both looked strong so far in this early 360 season.

Wayne Johnson acknowledges the crowd after his 410 sprint win on May 5.  - Conrad Nelson photo

In the 410 feature, Wayne Johnson and Dustin Selvage finished the way they started, 1-2. Danny Lasoski came from 10^th to finish third. Johnson was impressive as he motored around the top for the win.

Its always good to have to Outlaws come to town, the biggest names, the fastest cars and one of the best stages for sprint car racing; however, I think I got a bigger buzz out of the weekly opener because all three classes had good numbers, and it looks like there aren’t going to be any clear favorites. Granted, it has only been one week, but it looks like 2012 could go down to the wire.

Steve Breazeale won the 305 main on May 5 - Conrad Nelson photo

Clint Garner in victory lane after his 360 sprint win. - Conrad Nelson photo

Hopefully the third month will be the charm as the IMCA Shootout has now been rained out in April and May. The new date has been set for Sunday, June 3. This one is definitely marked on my calendar as I have been anxiously awaiting the return of stock cars to Knoxville. The modifieds, sportmods and hobby stocks will also give the crowd their money’s worth I’m sure, but I will always get a little more fired up for a stock car special.