Alexander charges to front to win 305 Mid-States Knoxville Nationals prelim
Friday, September 28, 2007
By Bob Wilson
Alexander charges to front to win 305 Mid-States Knoxville Nationals prelim
KNOXVILLE, Iowa (September 27) Stacey Alexander from Lacona, Iowa came from deep in the starting grid to win the first-ever 305 Mid-States Knoxville Nationals. This was night one of a two-day qualifying format which culminates with a championship on the third night, Saturday
The Thursday night preliminary feature saw front-row starter Trish Dover from Springfield, Nebraska take the point at the start of the race. Fellow front row starter Rager Phillips from nearby Pleasantville, Iowa kept the pressure on as both drivers toured the big Knoxville oval on the bottom of the track. At this point it was a two car race as both drivers switched to the cushion to gain momentum in the exiting of the turns.
On lap five, Phillips made his move and dove to the bottom when they exited turn two and gained the lead with that maneuver. While all this was happening, Alexander, who started 20th had quickly entered into the top ten and was picking off cars with ease. Alexander, a weekly 360 sprint driver at this facility for several years, is a Lacona, Iowa native.
In a 15-lap race which went non-stop, Alexander utilized the same passing move Phillips had used, dove low in turn two and exited with the lead on the 10th go around. Once in front he began to pull away from the field as he placed cars between himself and second running Phillips.
As the laps wound down, Alexander pulled away and came across the finish line a full chute ahead of Phillips. He was paid $350 for the win. Third went to Dover as Marty Stephenson (Des Moines) claimed fourth. Eric Todd of Falcon, Missouri was fifth. Rounding out the top ten were Mitchell Moore, Matt Stephenson, Bob Lamb, Steve Breazeale and Clint Garner, who started on the tail of the 24-car field.
Four qualifying heat races were captured by Dover, Shadrach Sporaa, Bob Lamb and Rager Phillips as several cars were disqualified for incorrect tires. Jack Potter won the B Main. A total of 39 cars participated in the six event preliminary program
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