By T.J. Buffenbarger
It’s not even race time yet and Thursday at the 2015 FVP Knoxville Nationals has been one of the most exciting days in recent memory. The Marion County Fairgrounds and National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum had some memorable events all morning and afternoon leading into tonight’s race.
The member’s only event at the Sprint Car Hall of Fame featuring Doug Wolfgang hosted by Dave Argabright was a smashing success according to Hall of Fame officials. The standing room only crowd was entertained so much by Wolfgang’s candidness that the event went over its allotted time. Argabright, having written a book about Wolfgang, knew him so well that the commentary was quite candid and highly entertaining.
In the Dyer-Hudson hall / media center at the Nationals today was the press luncheon with Wednesday night feature winner Shane Stewart taking center stage. Stewart was extremely candid and insightful during his session with the media talking about his not being able to find an Outlaw ride at the end of the 2005 season and his journey that led him eventually to Larson / Marks Racing.
Shortly after the luncheon Jonathan Byrd’s Racing held a press conference to announce the Circular Insanity Tour where Bryan Clauson will attempt to compete in 200 races in 2016 centered on the effort for the 100th Indianapolis 500. Clauson will compete in winged and non-winged sprint cars, Midgets, and Silver Crown cars in New Zealand and North American with approximately 105 starts slated in Matt Wood’s sprint car.
While that was taking place the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a State of Sprint Car Racing forum with Larry Boos from Eldora Speedway, Steve Beitler from Skagit Speedway, Steve Sinclair from the Interstate Racing Association, and Rex LeJeune from Attica Raceway Park. The biggest surprise was Tony Stewart, owner of Eldora Speedway, taking part in the event as well. While Stewart drew a few more people into the forum, the pairing of Smoke with Steve Beitler about brought the house down several times with their humor playing off of each other.
All of thing as we haven’t even started racing yet at the Marion County Fairgrounds. Make sure to follow the live coverage on our social media via our Twitter and Facebook pages.