KNOXVILLE, Iowa — After two rounds of preliminary action for the 65th annual NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals, the top 26 drivers and cars in points are locked into Saturday night’s program.
The remainder of the field will have to run Friday’s Hard Knox program in search of a spot in the $200,000-to-win classic.
Thursday night winner Kyle Larson emerged with the high-point total for the week with 485 markers out of a possible 500. However, the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion is off to Richmond (Va.) Raceway, where Saturday’s night’s race is scheduled for 7 p.m., ET, making it unlikely Larson will return to Knoxville in time to take a shot at a fourth Nationals victory.
“I hope I’m back Saturday or Sunday potentially,” said Larson.
Weather could help Larson’s pursuits. It is unknown whether team owner Paul Silva will replace Larson with another driver, who would have to start at the rear of the field.
Wednesday night winner Sheldon Haudenschild wound up second in points with 481.
Rounding out the top five are James McFadden Kasey Kahne and Buddy Kofoid.
The second five starters will be Justin Henderson, Parker Price-Miller, Daryn Pittman, Chase Dietz and David Gravel.
Saturday Lock-Ins
Kyle Larson, 485
Sheldon Haudenschild, 481
James McFadden, 478
Kasey Kahne, 477
Buddy Kofoid, 469
Justin Henderson, 463
Parker Price-Miller, 461
Daryn Pittman, 461
Chase Dietz, 460
David Gravel, 460
Rico Abreu, 460
Logan Schuchart, 459
Garet Williamson, 458
Cole Macedo, 457
Corey Day, 457
Brian Brown, 457
B main Cars
Austin McCarl, 456
Brent Marks, 452
Tanner Thorson, 451
Jace Park, 443
Sye Lynch, 443
Emerson Axsom, 440
Bill Balog, 431
Tyler Courtney, 428
Aaron Reutzel, 427
Carson Macedo, 427
