Running the High Side: Interesting point mix after rain contributes to the opening night of the Knoxville Nationals

The Wednesday night opener of the Knoxville Nationals came to a conclusion on Thursday, but nobody seemed to mind as the show was able to stay on schedule, and the end result saw some new and different faces at the top of the points list.
The legions of Kyle Larson fans saw their favorite back their expectations by winning the opening night feature. The locals were happy as Knoxville regular Davey Heskin finished second, while Donny Schatz patiently worked his way to third after starting fifth. Not a big jump mind you, but Schatz didn't try anything frantic to get a win - the track wasn't to his liking, so he let things play out up front and took advantage of others' misfortune. Jason Sides and Randy Hannagan were both ahead of Schatz, but saw their nights end dramatically, especially Sides, whose blown tire led to a tumble in turns one and two. He was OK, but out of the lead and the race.
The drive of the night went to Craig Dollansky who started 22nd and finished fourth, while Lucas Wolfe completed the top five after starting seventh.
The points shook out with Dollansky claiming the top spot with 477. Jonathan Allard showed major power on the night winding up second in points after a tenth place feature finish and a third qualifying spot. Donny Schatz and Joey Saldana are tied for third in points. They are followed by Lucas Wolfe, Kyle Larson, Shane Stewart, Paul McMahan and Davey Heskin.
One name missing in all of this is Steve Kinser. Kinser's night ended after finishing eighth in the B main, which placed him 26th in points; however, with the new Friday night format, the King could very well end up in the A come Saturday night - without even having to run another B main. That's why Friday's are more interesting these days!