March 29, 2024

Rain claims FVP Knoxville Nationals opener

KNOXVILLE — Unrelenting rainfall at the Knoxville Raceway, forced the postponement of the opening of the 54th FVP Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s General Store Wednesday.

Thursday will feature a doubleheader of qualifying races. The qualifying races of half of the 110 sprint car-field that were to have been Wednesday night begin at 7:15 p.m. The other half of the field take the track later on Thursday night.

Friday the Jeff Gordon “Kick It” event will take place. A kickball game is at noon featuring sprint car racing’s best drivers playing a seven-inning game to claim the “Tony Stewart Kick-It Cup” trophy.

A live auction takes place throughout the event with event tickets, hot passes, autographed racing memorabilia and more. All proceeds go to Kick-It for Children’s Cancer, a partner of Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation.

Friday night racing includes the Speed Sport Knoxville World Challenge where drivers from Australia, New Zealand and Canada compete against American drivers in one of the only international motorsports events. Also on the track Friday, drivers race to fill the final four spots of Saturday night’s prestigious A-main event.

Saturday morning the Knoxville Nationals parade begins at 10 a.m. in downtown Knoxville. Fans can get up close with their favorite drivers and sponsors each day at Fan Fest on the Marion County Fairgrounds.

The 25 best drivers will compete Saturday night for their chance at becoming a Knoxville Nationals champion. Nearly $1-million in prize money will be awarded over the event.

Over the 10-day period points from every event will be calculated to award the Cox Design & Metal Fabrication Iowa Speed Week Champion.

For tickets or more information visit knoxvilleraceway.com or call 641-842-5431.