Some people were concerned about only 22 410s making the show, but there were nights last season where the count was in the low 20s. Word around the pits was that were some cars not quite ready that would be making the trip to Knoxville soon, and with the IRA sprints in town next week, it is felt that number will rise for that show for sure. I am always a little surprised when there is a large amount of shock shown over dwindling 410 numbers. Word has been going around for a few seasons now that the increased cost for the class is having an role in lower counts, and that is proving to be true. Let's hope some serious efforts are made for more economic 410 racing. Knoxville's new engine rule for the 410 class is a step in that direction, but I hope that all of those who complain or fret about low numbers put that energy into finding a solution. Now I'm off the soapbox.
The number of 305s and 360s on hand were fairly impressive, and I think they should stay close to what we saw this week. There was new dirt on the track for opening night, and in my opinion it held up well. Both the 410s and 360s qualified, the 360s with group qualifying, but there wasn't an abundance of laps, and the track looked to have held its own well.
Motor problems, tire problems, and red flags told the tale of the night. There were no serious injuries on the night, but there were a few mangled cars. You expect that on opening night, but hate to see it. Hopefully the motor issues aren't too costly for hose suffering them. The blowing tires had the biggest role in the 410 feature as three drivers running in the top five saw their fortunes change due to exploding rubber. Austin McCarl's blown tire threw debris into the path of Josh Schneiderman. McCarl was able to continue, Schneiderman was not. Mark Dobmeier was running very strong on Saturday until his left rear exploded, damaging his muffler in the process and forcing him to retire.
Don Droud had the 47 cranked up and was impressive in his feature win for the Sonner Casey's machine. Josh Higday and Dennis Moore, Jr. put on a show as they raced for the 360 sprint win, and Steve Breazeale won one for the veteran set as he picked up the opening 305 feature. In all, I thought it was a good start to the Knoxville season - a little long due to cautions and red, but, what I would call a typical opener. Plus, anyone who sprint car races knows there are nights where everything runs without incident, and then there are nights that... don't. We were done by midnight, I got to see three classes of sprint cars ,and I'm ready to go back - what else could you want?
410 winner - Car owner Gilly Sonner receives his "reward" from his feature-winning driver Don Droud Saturday night. A Sonner-owned car has won a feature at Knoxville in each of the last five decades.- BWJ photo
360 Winner - Josh Higday won the May 1 360 sprint feature. - BWJ photo
305 Top 3 - From left: Tim St. Arnold (2nd), winner Steve Breazeale and Austin Johnson (3rd). - Conrad Nelson photo
Smoky opening - The much anticipated opener for Robby Wolfgang met with mechanical troubles in the 410 feature. - BWJ photo
End of the night - Mark Dobmeier was having a strong night, and in the top five, when his left rear tire blew, damaging his car and forcing it out of the 410 feature. - BWJ photo
Rough night - Tyler Trainor (4L) went for a ride in turn two during his 360 heat race. He was OK. - BWJ photo
Good Look - Josh Schneiderman has a new look for 2010 with his 410 sprinter. - BWJ photo
Cub Fan/Sprint Car Man - It is obvious who 360 driver Dustin Morgan is rooting for this baseball season - BWJ photo
360 Battle - Dennis Moore, Jr. (2) and Josh Higday (10) race for the lead in the main event. - Conrad Nelson photo
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