Knoxville Raceway 2013 Season Opener this Saturday

Clint Garner. - Mermaid Racing Photos / Serena Dalhamer
Clint Garner. – Mermaid Racing Photos / Serena Dalhamer

From Knoxville Raceway

Knoxville, IA — (April 17, 2013) — More than 270,000 sprint car racing fans will pack the track at Knoxville Raceway this year to watch the most exhilarating and intense dirt track racing in the world. It all kicks off this Saturday, April 20 at the Lucas Oil Knoxville Championship Cup Series Season Opener.

The Lucas Oil Knoxville Championship Cup Series is the United States’ premier 410, 360 and 305 sprint car series, with 18 races from April 20 through August 25. These 900-horsepower, 1,425-pound rockets with wings compete for a weekly purse and a season championship that can put them on a fast track to the big time. Some of the top drivers in the sport have raced at Knoxville including Al Unser Jr., Jeff Gordon and Doug Wolfgang.

The Season Opener will feature more than 80 drivers competing for the $35,000 purse and a points fund that exceeds $250,000 annually. Three classes of sprint cars will race on Saturday: 410, 360 and 305. The top class 410’s will average more than 120 miles per hour on the ½ mile dirt track. The Season Opener is a night to get immersed in a sensory overload of excitement. From the loud roar of the engines and sights of incredible slide jobs through the turns to the drivers skill and finesse as cars accelerate down the track.

The schedule of events for April 20 includes a car show starting at Noon, plus more activities kick-off at 3:00 p.m. with kids inflatable rides, a balloon maker and live music. All kids and teens under 19 get into the races for free. Kids ages 5-12 are encouraged to sign up for the free Knoxville Raceway Junior Fan Club