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47th Knoxville Nationals Set For Coverage on SPEED
Written by: David Harris   
07/17/2007
Charlotte, NC
 
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SHEHEEN: 'THE EMOTIONS AND INTENSITY FELT AT KNOXVILLE IS LIKE NO OTHER RACE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON FOR THESE DRIVERS'

One of America's most prestigious races will once again be LIVE on SPEED. The 47th annual Knoxville Nationals from historic Knoxville Raceway is slated for three hours of coverage Saturday night, Aug. 11 starting at 9 p.m., ET/ 6 p.m. Pacific.

Long-time sprint car supporter Ralph Sheheen will provide play-by-play and National Sprint Car Hall of Fame member and former racer Brad Doty is set for color commentary. In the infield, historian and National Speed Sport News columnist Dave Argabright and veteran sprint car analyst Tony Bokhoven will cover all the storylines and news.

"The Knoxville Nationals is one of the most unique motorsports events in the United States," said SPEED Coordinating Producer, Pete Richards. "It's certainly a highlighted event here at SPEED, so we're very enthused about providing the three hours of LIVE coverage we have planned."

Last year's race will be forever etched in sprint car lore, as veteran Donny Schatz finally swept to his first Knoxville Nationals victory after multiple runner-up finishes, edging Joey Saldana at the stripe. But Schatz's victory might be considered a side note to the 2006 story, as an on-track tussle between Danny Lasoski, his nephew, Brian Brown and Danny's father, George, found a dramatic climax. The two were fighting for the top spot in the 'B' Main, when Brown and Lasoski touched. Neither driver gave an inch, which caused Lasoski to lose control and spin out. The post-race scuffle among the three
was as intense and personal as anything the public had seen within the sport in quite some time.

"The emotions and intensity felt at Knoxville is like no other race throughout the season for these drivers," Sheheen said. "Every year, more than 120 cars and drivers from all over the world try to qualify for one of only 24 spots in the Knoxville Nationals 'A' Main. The two Lasoski teams were battling for that spot, and emotions spilled over to the pits. This race – like a Daytona, Indianapolis or Le Mans – brings out the most effort and hard work from each of the teams. It's so important that it sometime goes beyond family.

"Unfortunately, I think the Lasoski incident will forever overshadow the masterful job Schatz put forth to finally win his first one," Sheheen added. "He overcame many obstacles and completed moves that only the most skilled drivers could accomplish. He was always that guy who finished second – and now he finally wins the thing – and still finishes second, so to speak. I do however; think he could once again be considered a favorite for this year's crown."

SPEED is the nation's first and foremost cable television network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in more than 76 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the fastest-growing sports cable networks in the country, the home to NASCAR on SPEED and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services.