Knoxville Nationals Reduced to 80 Laps

[Bubstr]

If it isn't broke, don't fix it. Sure, there was some that ran short o fuel, last year, but it was a matter of choices that put them in that position. It's another case of changing the game, after the tickets are sold. If there is a 20% cut in laps, will there be a 20% rebate on all advance tickets sold? Some people like the strategy of a 100 lap race. Make it 100 laps and let the racers figure out how to make it that far. Some ran out last year, but the top finishers didn't. Same rules.

This is going to change a lot of strategy in this race and eliminate some of the passing done by guys that took new tires early in the race and had to start in the rear. If they change tires or add fuel, they go to the rear. There is more to racing than flat footing. Some just have trouble seeing it. This will eliminate Shirley's run from last to first, Stewarts run from last to 6th, and Birky wouldn't have caught Bloomer for the last lap pass. But some people could screw up a one cow cattle drive.

[Bubstr]

The Pittsburgher is 100 laps, and PPMS is about the same size as Knoxville in the groove. They don't have any fuel issues. Why is there such a difference?

Knoxville is one track where you can flat foot it, and most others you can't. They have a choice, in the gas or finish the race. You have to finish to win. Some don't get that, now Knoxville and Lucas oil seem to have joined that group.

[fryefan]

You do realize they do a fuel stop for the sprint Nationals? I guess that's stage racing too.

I'd rather they do a fuel stop then cut laps. At the same time its just as much about strategy as going fast.

And it sucks big-time. It ruins the flow of the race.

This is a good move on their part.

[fryefan]

Now do the same for the Sprint car Nationals please Knoxville.
NO RED FLAG FUEL STOP.
Thanks in advance.

Agreed. The fuel stop thing is bad.

[MasterSbilt_Racer]

They could install bigger fuel cells. Cells have gotten smaller the last few years. Or just realize last year is likely not the norm.

[MasterSbilt_Racer]

I think some are seeing it as they're taking more then just 20 laps away. Like if the World was the World 80.

Luckily, this is just a wannabe big race at a sprint car venue so it really isn't a huge deal.

[zyoung25]

Knoxville is one track where you can flat foot it, and most others you can't. They have a choice, in the gas or finish the race. You have to finish to win. Some don't get that, now Knoxville and Lucas oil seem to have joined that group.

I heard a driver say this last year. He said it's way more wide open than any track he has been on, including Eldora. If you're off the throttle, you're losing major ground.

I'd much rather see it cut to 80 than a fuel stop too.

[wuss]

For all the money I spend to go to Knoxville, tickets, camping, gas, food, etc.......I go there to see a hundred lap race. Would t care if they stopped once for fuel. However, this is all bs. Eldora is a hundred laps of hammer down with no fuel stop. I cancelled my vacation and am going to the world instead. I crave 100 laps or nothing.

[onlyfacts]

These series like WOO and Lucas needs to start making better decisions because they are killing the sport one stupid idea after another. The logical step for Knoxville would have been..... if we run x amount of caution laps we will stop for teams to add 5 gal of fuel... nothing else. If they didn't run x amount of caution laps no need to worry about fuel stop. No Fans Upset. Now it is another reason for fans not to attend. The people that are in charge of Knoxville Raceway should be mad. 100 Lap Knoxville Nationals. So what if they have to get fuel... Sprint Cars do it every year. And I really don't get how it changes the race.....if caution is already out then how is adding 5 gal going to change out come of race?

[Bubstr]

I heard a driver say this last year. He said it's way more wide open than any track he has been on, including Eldora. If you're off the throttle, you're losing major ground.

I'd much rather see it cut to 80 than a fuel stop too.

Loosing major ground to a car that is going to run out of fuel, means nothing. Kville is a momentum track, you can keep momentum with less throttle than to get it back after scrubbing it off in the corners.

Kville is one of a couple track in the country, that is held in highest esteem, by racers and fans that have been there. It is the best prepped track in the country. If your fast and smart, you can win. If your not, ask them to shorten the race.

[mskdorf]

Lucas is starting to act like WOO. First the Jackson 100 debacle now this. Best racing talent in the country but not so sure about the powers that be. You can't tell me that they could not have made up that Icebreaker on another date. Thursday before the Jackson just like they did the Latham at Florence last year. Still could have had their 2 day Jackson 100 paying 20K instead of 15K. Plenty of other dates were open also.
Anyway, back to the point, I don't like this decision in Knoxville.

[slydejob18]

Not in the habit of.........but

I understand that this is one person's opinion, but.....Wow, Schwaille and McCoy! What a lame decision this is. So, instead of making the winner earn it in 100 green flag laps, this is your bright idea? In the press release, it states, "after careful consideration". WHAT?!?! Are you listening only to the drivers? It's obvious that you didn't consult any fans. I'm sure careful consideration could've hatched a better idea than this.

For those of us that attend Knoxville, we love it because it's an ALL OUT TEST of everything the driver, team and car have in order to win it. This race should be 100 GREEN FLAG laps. The Saturday portion of the program is already a little thin as it is. Besides, this is a crown jewel, right? Geez, figure out something better than this.

Go 18!!

[RRRKKK]

Good God snowflakes stop wining, if you don't like it don't go! Knoxville is a special track like the IL Springfield mile. They are unique and the requirements are different. So you feel cheated for $35 you only see B mains and an 80 lap, you probably need a 100 to drink more beer.

[Josh Bayko]

Knoxville is one track where you can flat foot it, and most others you can't. They have a choice, in the gas or finish the race. You have to finish to win. Some don't get that, now Knoxville and Lucas oil seem to have joined that group.

Guys can and do flatfoot PPMS, too, and I've seen alchy cars run 100 laps with no issue there.

[onlyfacts]

Guys can and do flatfoot PPMS, too, and I've seen alchy cars run 100 laps with no issue there.

I have been to both.... PPMS not close to same size as Knoxville. PPMS has way shorter straightaways.