By T.J. Buffenbarger
Knoxville, IA — (August 9, 2013) — The National Speed Sport News World Challenge has an added twist to further enhance the Friday night program at the 2013 FVP Knoxville Nationals. If the winner of tonight’s World Challenge is not locked into the A-Main on Saturday they will earn a special 25th starting position in the main event. If the winner is already locked in second and third place will be extended the same privilege. If all three drivers are locked in that the position will not be used.
The change is in addition to sweeping changes made to the Friday program last year that gives teams a chance to earn A-Main starting spots if they run another qualifying program, but at the risk of losing a possible good position in the B-Main for some drivers. The chance was widely applauded by fans and teams last year and the change to the World Challenge has garnered the same kind of reaction.
“The idea behind it is to add some excitement to the SPEED SPORT Knoxville World Challenge that may have been lacking in the past,” said Mike Kerchner from National Speed Sport News. “Personally, it’s disappointed to see race fans leave for the night before the feature event even takes the green flag. The hope is that by adding a spot in Saturday’s feature to this race it will increase fan interest in SPEED SPORT Knoxville World Challenge and will drive more competitors to participate in the international qualifying events in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. And the timing is perfect with drivers like Donny Schatz, Brooke Tatnell, Jason Johnson and Jason Sides in the field, this added spot adds a lot of intrigue to the Friday night program.”
The Speed Sport World Challenge will be the final event of the Friday portion of the FVP Knoxville Nationals.
Speed Sport Knoxville World Challenge Lineup (24 Laps):
Brooke Tatnell
Jason Johnson
Rico Abreu
Ian Madsen
Terry McCarl
Tim Kaeding
Donny Schatz
Jason Sides
Lynton Jeffrey
Daryn Pittman
Kevin Swindell
Kerry Madsen
David Gravel
Shane Stewart
Wayne Johnson
Jack Dover
James McFadden
Bill Rose
Thomas Kennedy
Danny Dietrich
Jonathan Allard
Glen Saville
Danny Smith
Tim Shaffer
Paul Morris