Teenager takes Knoxville

At just 18, Ryan Timms is a Knoxville Nationals champion after producing a dominant drive in the 64th running of the iconic event.

Timms produced an impressive lights-to-flag drive, leading all 50 laps from pole position in the #10 Liebig Motorsports entry.

To make it more impressive, it was his first-ever championship feature start, and he controlled the race like it was his 100th.

Timms became the 28th different winner, the second youngest, only behind Kenny Weld and first to get a maiden win at Knoxville Nationals.

He showed speed as early as Wednesday when he topped qualifying.

The teenager from Oklahoma City was so elated he did not know what to say.

“Just so much excitement, so much disbelief,” Timms said.

“This is awesome. I never thought I’d be standing here for the Knoxville Nationals. This is so awesome. I don’t even know what to say. It’s so awesome. I want to thank all the fans. I’ve never been able to win in front of a crowd like this.

“To be given this opportunity is amazing. There’re so many great people that got me here. I wouldn’t be standing here without Shane Liebig.

“He’s my crew chief and car owner. He’s coached me through this whole thing.

“My dad, my mum, the whole family. There’s a whole list. I know I’m forgetting some people, but we won the Knoxville Nationals!

“I’ve just been surrounded by great people. That’s what it comes down to.

“You can be a really good race car driver, have a really good car, but there’re so many pieces that come together that make things like this happen. It’s been a journey.

“To click such a crown jewel race, the biggest Sprint Car race in the world so soon, I really can’t even believe I’m standing here. I never would’ve imagined it. It’s just amazing.”

As Timms drove into the distance, the heat was on in the fight for second place with Rico Abreu and David Gravel completing the podium.

Australia’s James McFadden managed to scrape into the main event after having to go via the B Main where he finished second.

In the end McFadden made the finish and crossed the line 17th, while the likes of Kyle Larson and Brad Sweet failed to finish.

Abreu progressed from seventh to be the runner-up after some big battles.

Gravel put in one of the best drives of the night, flying from 21st to third and believed if he had a better starting spot, matching his 2019 win could have been possible.

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