This Week's Chili Bowl Features Familiar Faces!
Monday, January 7, 2008
(Bill W) - Familiar faces abound in this year's Chili Bowl. With entries closing on 300, the Chili Bowl gets the best in the business from all forms of Motorsports. Many competing in the four nights of qualifying beginning on Tuesday have Knoxville connections.
Tuesday: Among Tuesday's "newbies" to the Chili Bowl are CFO for the World of Outlaws, Brian Carter, and Trish Dover, who competed in both the 305 and 360 classes in 2007 at Knoxville.
Wednesday: Danny Lasoski is a three-time second place runner at the Chili Bowl. The seven-time Knoxville track champion has his eyes on his first "Golden Driller" trophy. Fellow World of Outlaws competitors Chad Kemenah, Joey Saldana and Randy Hannagan will also qualify on Wednesday. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. goes to Tulsa after winning the 2007 Knoxville Midget Nationals. Jerry Coons Jr. has to be an early favorite to win it all in Tulsa. He was the 2004 Knoxville Midget Nationals Champion, and also won Knoxville "King Doodlebug" crowns in 2004 and 2006. Among others on Wednesday's card are 2007 410 Knoxville rookie Jack Dover, former 410 regular Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett and Knoxville and National Sprint Car Hall of Famer, Shane Carson.
Thursday: Thursday's headliners include Sammy Swindell. Sammy was the 1983 Knoxville Nationals champion, and is the only driver to win the Chili Bowl four times. 2006 Midget Nationals Champion Bud Kaeding fires off Thursday, as does 2003 Champ Chad DeSelle. NASCAR regular JJ Yeley will go elbow to elbow with 360 Nationals Champions Shane Stewart (2007), Gary Wright (1998) and Garry Lee Maier ('92 and '93). Former Knoxville regular and current WoO pilot Justin Henderson will drive Dan Oswalt's midget as well.
Friday probably sees the most local flavor as six-time track champion, Terry McCarl, partners with the potent Wilke-Pak team. Wayne Johnson will fly Knoxville's Wayne Simmons' #F5, and the 2002 Knoxville Midget Nationals Champion, Mike Hess, will be on hand as well. Darren Hagen was the 2007 Knoxville "King Doodlebug" winner. Tony Stewart will look to take his third "Golden Driller" home, but will have his hands full with fellow NASCAR favorite, Kasey Kahne. Throw in 1979 Knoxville Nationals champion, Ron Shuman, out of retirement, and WoO drivers Sam Hafertepe Jr. and Jason Meyers. Other sprint pilots taking to the track Friday include Darren Stewart, Tyler Walker, Scott Winters, Kevin Swindell, Travis Rilat and Don Droud Jr.
(Pictured) Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was the 2007 Knoxville Midget Nationals Champion
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