Blog

T.J.’s Notebook: Giovanni Scelzi in Prime Position to Contend for Elusive Crown Jewel Victory

Giovanni Scelzi has put himself in position to be in contention for winning one of the biggest sprint car races in the sport. It’s a place Scelzi has been in before sitting on the pole for the Knoxville Nationals in 2021 and leading the Jokers Jackpot earlier this year at Eldora Speedway before crashing out of the feature. […]

Sheldon Haudenschild (#17) racing with Anthony Macri (#39). (Mark Funderburk Photo)

T.J.’s Takeaways from the Opening Night of the 2024 Knoxville Nationals

After an unusual first night of racing to open the 63rd NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s, here are my takeaways from Wednesday’s program. […]

T.J.’s Notebook: Seeding the 2024 Knoxville Nationals

The daunting endeavor of seeding the entire Knoxville Nationals field was so much fun last year, the decision was made to do it again in 2024. […]

By the Numbers at Knoxville: Wednesday or Thursday, Does it Matter?

T.J.’s annual dive into some of the numbers behind the Knoxville Nationals looks at the pair of preliminary nights over the past three seasons. […]

Kasey Jedrzejek during the 2024 Kings Royal. (T.J. Buffenbarger Photo)

Great Lakes Edition: Jedrzejek Hopes to Carry Over GLSS Success at Knoxville

Kasey Jedrzejek comes from a family with deep roots in supermodified racing in the Ohio region. Just a handful of years ago Jedrzerjek was not even that familiar with the ins and outs of dirt track racing. This week the 19-year-old driver from Lagrange, Ohio is headed to the biggest event in all of sprint car racing to compete in the 360 and 410 Knoxville Nationals over the next 10 days. […]

Teammates Corey Eliason (#8) and Aaron Reutzel (87) are both entered in the 360 Knoxville Nationals this week. (Mark Funderburk Photo)

T.J.’s Notebook: Star Studded Field Competing in the 360 Knoxville Nationals This Week

The 2024 edition of the 360 Knoxville Nationals schedule to start Thursday at Knoxville Raceway appears to have drawn one of the stronger entry lists in recent memory for the event. Multiple factors in sprint car racing have created an opportunity to see some names competing we typically would not see until the 410 Nationals. […]

Darin Naida in victory lane with the Chuck Wilson's family after winning at Butler Motor Speedway in 2023. (T.J. Buffenbarger Photo)

Great Lakes Edition: Atmosphere at the Chuck Wilson Memorial is a Fitting Tribute

One of the best local races of the 2023 season takes place again this Saturday at Butler Motor Speedway when they host the Chuck Wilson Memorial and Legends Night. The event turned out to be a celebration for Wilson, a standout racer from the Toledo, Ohio area that was multiple time feature inner and track champion at the high banked 3/8-mile oval, and a gathering to reminisce about the over 60-year history of racing at Butler. […]

Cody Jacobs stands with David Gravel atop the throne after winning the 41st Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway. (T.J. Buffenbarger Photo)

T.J.’s Notebook: Cody Jacobs Collects Crown Jewel Win as Crew Chief in his Home State

Cody Jacobs spent a lot of time growing up around Eldora Speedway. Saturday night he stood atop the throne with his driver David Gravel in victory lane after winning the 41st Kings Royal. […]

Great Lakes Edition: Michigan Representation During Kings Royal Weekend

Michigan race fans have had two teams from the Great Lakes State on hand for the first two nights of Kings Royal joined by a last-minute entry for the remainder of the weekend. […]

David Gravel having a discussion before the Jokers Jackpot at Eldora Speedway on Thursday. (T.J. Buffenbarger Photo)

T.J.’s Takeaways from the Jokers Jackpot at Eldora Speedway

The second night of racing at Eldora Speedway is in the books during Kings Royal weekend and David Gravel is $100,000 richer after winning the Joker’s Jackpot with the High Limit Sprint Car Series after a feature that took multiple twists and turns.
Here are my takeaways from a memorable night of racing at the Big E. […]

Kasey Kane (L) and Giovanni Scelzi (R) ready to push off for qualifying at Eldora Speedway. (T.J. Buffenbarger Photo)

TJ’s Takeaways from the Eldora Double Down Duels

The first of four nights of racing at Eldora Speedway is in the books after the Eldora Double Down Duels opened the weekend to set the stage for the $100,000 to win Jokers Jackpot on Saturday. Here are my takeaways from an entertaining night of racing at the Big E. […]