10 Reasons Why Knoxville is the Best!
Monday, April 25, 2005
Photographer Mike Nelligan was so busting at the seams to get to Knoxville for this weekend’s World of Outlaw show that he wanted to share his joy, and ten reasons Knoxville is the best, with fans who will be descending on Knoxville this season:
by Mike Nelligan - It's Carly Simon time again, that is, it is with great ANTICIPATION, that I await Knoxville's racing season to begin.
I would like to list about 10 or so reasons why and in no specific order of importance. Here we go:
1. The Safety Crew
The most professional caring group of infield workers I have ever come across and that covers dozens and dozens of facilities at every level. If you are ever gonna find yourself in a jam, this is the place to be, believe me.
2. Ralph Capitani
Easily the most powerful man in sprint car racing and equally as fair to boot. Who else over the years told the Outlaws how to run the show and Cappy has run 'The Knoxville Nationals' his way for years? How fitting he was a History teacher, he is still doing that job as he creates it!
3. The Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum
Where else would this be located, nowhere? Tom, Craig and the gang there make you feel like a part of history when given the chance and there is always something new to see, a must for the Knoxville visitor.
4. Doug Clark
Professional and the best in the business, bar none. Heck, nobody could even wave those bedsheet sized flags but this man, always on top of his game.
5. The Dingus Lounge
Where do I start? Actually it's about where I finish every night at Knoxville. Bench racin' and having fun with the best fans in the country. The #1 bar in
sprint car racing for decades and no slowing down on the horizon, get there. The walls are autographed by some of the best that ever sat behind a wheel.
6. The Hy-Vee
A staff adorned in Sprint car T's and tripping over each other trying to help you. Excellent food 24/7 and a smile to make you feel like you're at your corner store, love their desserts!
7. Bill W's Knoxville Report
The grand-daddy of internet track race results and still the most informative. Where they started, where they finished and how they got there. With him and Bob Wilson on site their may not be two more knowledgeable people on 'their' track anywhere in the country.
8. Bos Landen
I dare say there isn't another sprint car track in the country within 15 minutes of the top rated public golf course in the country, except here. Bring lots of balls and indulge half the amount you normally would.
9. Udders
Simply my favorite steak house in America/Canada/Australia, hands down. Grill your own and talk racin' while munching on the garlic toast you just made. An owner who loves, sponsors and backs racing only make it better for the rest of us. Fast for a day then hit this place and go wild, you gots to be hungry when you get there though, trust me.
10. The Facilities
I purposely left this for last because it pretty much sums up Knoxville racing. They are the best dirt track digs anywhere I've ever been and I've seen them all. Plenty of seating, tasty reasonably priced food, a friendly staff and recently they added a tower for cell phone reception, can you beat that?
I've left out Red Rock and Pella and many other places/things to do. Heck, just walking around the facility will net you a half dozen conversations with complete strangers who have the common denominator you do, sprint car racing. You need to get there, you
need to plan a trip, a holiday or even a vacation and take the trip of your life. If you do, stop by and say 'Hi' and I will say 'I told you so'. Take It Easy....
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