Even though Steve Kinser has won it 12 times and Donny Schatz is chasing his 11th victory this week, the Knoxville Nationals is a difficult race to win.
That fact is evidenced by the list of drivers who have not won sprint car racing’s premier event.
It includes Jac Haudenschild, Joey Saldana, Stevie Smith, Jeff Swindell, Shane Stewart, Bobby Davis Jr., Paul McMahan, Greg Hodnett and Terry McCarl.
McCarl has claimed seven track championships at Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway, and he’s competed in 36 editions of the Knoxville Nationals, including 22 A-feature starts, but has repeatedly fallen short of the big prize. His best finish was third in 2007.
Haudenschild participated in 37 Knoxville Nationals and qualified for 18 main events. He posted a best finish of second in 1998 and was third as a rookie in 1982.
Danny Smith has also unloaded for 37 Nationals, making the big show 13 times and finishing fourth in 1981.
The son of 1970 winner Joe Saldana, Joey Saldana participated in 27 Nationals and qualified for the Saturday night feature on 19 occasions. He earned three runner-up finishes.
With 27 Nationals appearances and 21 feature starts, Stevie Smith came home second in 1993 and was third three times.
THIS ARTICLE IS ACCESSIBLE TO INSIDERS ONLY…
SPEED SPORT Insider is the ad-free premium extension of SPEEDSPORT.com. Insider is dedicated to the best and brightest in motorsports journalism – created by the best writers, photographers and reporters in the business. From veteran Hall of Fame writers like Bones Bourcier, Dave Argabright, Pat Sullivan, Keith Waltz, Ralph Sheheen and Editor in Chief Mike Kerchner, to behind the scenes SPEED SPORT reporters like David Hoffman, Nathan Solomon and more.
By subscribing to Insider, you not only get exclusive access to this premium content, but you support the journalists that are vital to telling the stories that matter most. Subscriptions are just $5/mo or $44.95 for an entire year. View plans and details.
SPECIAL OFFER! Subscribe now with this link and save $5.00!
