Inside Line Promotions
KNOXVILLE, Iowa (Aug. 10, 2016) – Jamie Ball accomplished one of his major goals last weekend during the 26th annual Arnold Motor Supply 360 Knoxville Nationals.
Ball won the opening preliminary night for the first time in his career before he registered a career-best finish during the finale of the marquee event at Knoxville Raceway.
Preliminary action began with Ball qualifying 13th quickest in his White Lightning Motorsports entry. He then finished where he started – fourth – in a heat race to lock into the main event.
“It wasn’t our best qualifying effort, but it gave us a chance,” he said. “In the heat race I had a super close battle with Danny Lasoski for the transfer. I was able to hold him off to squeak by to make the show and make the inversion.”
Ball was the final driver to make the eight-car feature inversion, which lined him up on the pole for the 20-lap main event.
“I don’t think I showed it before I got in the car, but I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous,” he said. “Looking at it now this race has two meanings. I had Bryan Clauson, a three-time Indy 500 starter, beside me with Sammy Swindell and Terry McCarl behind me.
“I kinda thought for how the track was and how I run the bottom if I could lead off turn two I would have a chance. When we came off the bottom and had the lead I just knew I had to hit my marks, stay focused and keep my composure. It went great. I’d say it’s the best 20 laps I’ve ran with high intensity and decision making in my life.”
Ball led the distance as he held off Swindell to score the monumental win. That put him 12th in overall points following two nights of preliminary competition, which was good enough to lock into Saturday’s main event. Ball started the 25-lap main event on the inside of the sixth row.
“Our main goal was to just make the A Main through our qualifying night for the third consecutive year,” he said. “Our goal on Saturday was a top 10. Things just didn’t go our way. I got up to ninth at one time and fell back to 16th. We rebounded to 13th, which is a career best.”
Ball quickly advanced into the top 10 before dropping just outside the top 15. He ended with a 13th-place result.
White Lightning Motorsports teammate Devin Kline also enjoyed a successful outing at Knoxville Raceway on Saturday in the 305ci class. Kline set quick time during qualifying and he advanced from sixth to fourth place in a heat race. That lined him up on the pole for the 15-lap main event.
“We were running that new Knoxville spec motor so we messed with the gear a little after the heat,” he said. “I knew if I could hit the bottom and stay on the bottom we’d be pretty good.”
Kline did just that as he stuck the bottom groove for 15 laps to claim his 10th career win at the track. The victory also netted extra bonus money from Pace Performance.
Ball and Kline are scheduled to wrap up the season at Knoxville Raceway on Aug. 27.
QUICK RESULTS –
JAMIE BALL:
Aug. 4 – Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa – Qualifying: 13; Heat race: 4 (4); Feature: 1 (1).
Aug. 6 – Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa – Feature: 13 (11).
DEVIN KLINE:
Aug. 6 – Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa – Qualifying: 1; Heat race: 4 (6); Feature: 1 (1).
SEASON STATS –
JAMIE BALL : 22 races, 2 wins, 11 top fives, 17 top 10s, 18 top 15s, 21 top 20s
DEVIN KLINE : 14 races, 3 wins, 11 top fives, 12 top 10s, 13 top 15s, 14 top 20s
UP NEXT –
Aug. 27 at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa
MEDIA LINKS –
Jamie Ball Website: http://www.JamieBall.com
Devin Kline Website: http://www.DevinKline.com
Jamie Ball Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JamieBall5j
Devin Kline Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DevinKline5j
APPAREL –
White Lightning Motorsports has t-shirts and hoodies available for purchase at their race trailers in the infield of each sprint car event at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT – Timber Line Tree Service
Timber Line Tree Service of Des Moines, Iowa, has more than 20 years of experience in providing commercial and residential tree and shrub services of the highest quality. Since 1998, the business has been helping customers in achieving their goals. Whether it’s a big or a small project, Timber Line Tree Service can handle it for you. With its indisputable reputation and commitment to excellence, Timber Line Tree Service guarantees your satisfaction. For more information, visit http://www.TreeServiceDesMoines.com.
“Brian and the Timber Line crew have been big supporters of ours since the beginning of my career,” Ball said. “These guys do great work and they do it fast and at an affordable price. They are a fully insured tree removal business that services Des Moines, Iowa, and surrounding areas. Need trees or brush removed? Give Brian a call at 515-505-3043.”
White Lightning Motorsports would also like to thank Housby, JJ Kane Auctioneers, The Hearing Clinic, Wingdance Graphics, Iowa State Savings Bank, Ostrich Racing Engines, Sweet Manufacturing, FK Rod Ends, Hooker Harness, MyRacePass, Bell Helmets, Keizer Aluminum Wheels, Fragola Performance Systems, Hoosier Tire, MPD Racing, Sign Pro of Newton, Shell Shock, Maxim Chassis, Hinchman Racewear, Knoxville Raceway Charitable Organization (KRCO) and Allen Construction for their continued support.
INSIDE LINE PROMOTIONS –
Inside Line Promotions specializes in affordable public relations and media management for motor sports drivers, teams, sponsors, tracks, series, events, organizations and manufacturers. ILP Founder Shawn Miller leverages professional journalism with new media technologies and social networking to improve your exposure and the return on investment for your sponsors.
To meet the media relations needs of your program by joining Team ILP, contact Shawn at 541-510-3663 or Shawn@InsideLinePromotions.com. For more information on Inside Line Promotions, visit http://www.InsideLinePromotions.com.
*PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOXVILLE RACEWAY*