When the question “Where is the race this weekend?” is asked in NASCAR circles, the answer is the Sprint Cup Series location. But for many fans nationwide, “the race” can mean a multitude of tracks or tours. There is an abundance of racing activity beyond the Cup and diehard followers of many divisions can make valid arguments that their regional circuit is better than the national tours. The grassroots-racing world has some outstanding events and these five shine brightly.
1. Knoxville Nationals. Sprint car racing’s biggest race of the year takes place every August in Knoxville, Iowa. Four nights of racing narrow nearly 200 entries into a 24-car field for the championship finale. The 2010 running will be the 50th edition of the historic show and the purse will exceed $1 million. Donny Schatz earned $150,000 for winning the 40-lap 2009 contest. The “King of the Outlaws” Steve Kinser has been victorious 12 times in his career. Other sprint car greats such as Danny Lasoski, Dave Blaney, Doug Wolfgang and Sammy Swindell can boast of winning the Nationals. This is arguably the biggest short-track race of the year.
2. World 100. The week after Labor Day brings campers, fans and race transporters to Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. Like Knoxville, the 100 is unsanctioned. And for the 100’s dirt late-model participants the trophy is a coveted reward. In the previous 39 editions the prestige has grown along with the purse to become late-models racing’s Super Bowl. Over 200 drivers run the time trial on Friday night. The fastest 120 go to the heats and their last chance to form Saturday’s 28-car lineup. A cool $1,000 is added every year to the winner’s share and next year $44,000 will go to the driver who crosses the checkered first.
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