Larson wins 62nd Knoxville Nationals

Kyle Larson has joined the list of multiple Knoxville National winners in Iowa, with the NASCAR star winning the “Grand Daddy of em all” for a second time, as the Aussie contenders almost pulled off a unique qualifying sweep.

Eight racers have won two or more National titles at the Spiritual home of Sprintcar, as he led home David Gravel and Donny Schatz to the chequered in a lights to flag effort, taking home a cool $185,000 USD.

After taking his first Nationals title in 2021, Larson cruised to the victory in the Paul Silva prepared #57 car in front of a sold out crowd.

“I was praying for no cautions and it all just worked out. Thanks to the fans, this is my favourite weekend of the year,” Larson said in victory lane.

The front row of the 62nd Knoxville Nationals, led by Larson on the inside over Abreu, Schatz, and Schuchart. Image/Main image: Richard Hathaway

“I look forward to it all year long and you guys make it all worthwhile. Paul Silva works so hard and it is so great to see his hard work pay off, I love him, there is no one else like him.”

Over a clean running 50 laps, Gravel’s P2 was achieved from 22nd on the grid after a crash on the opening night saw him go through Friday’s Hard Knox qualifying to get into the A Main final.

Schatz, an 11-time winner of the Nationals, also fought from fifth to third on lap 47 to make the podium, whilst Aussie Brothers Kerry and Ian Madsen finished 6th and 15th respectively, whilst Hard Knox qualifier Scott Bogucki could only jump one spot into 22nd.

Madsen was the highest placed Aussie, taking a fighting P6 in the A Main. Image: Richard Hathaway

It was almost a remarkable day for the Aussie contenders, with it very nearly being the case of an E, D, C, and B Main sweep, if it weren’t for an untimely blown tyre in the B Main.

Brooke Tatnell started his day off well by winning the E Main from pole position, before fighting from P16 to finish ninth in the D Main. Rusty Hickman also contested the night’s opening race, just missing out on progression by finishing fifth.

Tatnell took out the E Main to kick off the Aussie qualifying assault. Image: Richard Hathaway

The D Main was taken out by another Aussie however, with Queensland’s Lachlan McHugh getting the jump early from the front row, surviving a flag, then bringing it home for the win.

McHugh then fought from 20th to 15th in the C Main, but once again it was another Aussie that got the job done from a front row start.

McHugh advanced to the C Main after taking the D Main out. Image: Richard Hathaway

Lynton Jeffrey took the lead late on to take the chequered to progress into the B Main with World of Outlaws star James McFadden, who was starting on pole in the penultimate race qualifier after just missing direct qualification into the A Main on Wednesday.

McFadden led early and was looking good for the top four despite being challenged for the lead, but on lap 10, disaster struck for the #83 Aussie racer, with a blown left rear tyre sending him into the wall and onto his roof in an unfortunate ending, with Jeffrey also finishing in 18th.

Jeffrey made it three wins in a row for the Aussies over the qualifying Mains. Image: Richard Hathaway

A four Main sweep would have been a unique situation for Aussie contenders at Knoxville, but it wasn’t to be.

In the A Main, Kerry Madsen – the most winningest Aussie at Knoxville Raceway – had a great fight with Eldora Millions winner Logan Schuchart, with Madsen running as high as fourth as the two battled hard for the spot. 

Madsen would end up in sixth, as the veteran from St. Marys ended up as the best performing Aussie.

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