Late Model Knoxville Nationals Back To Being A 100-Lap Event
Story By: JEREMY SHIELDS / LUCAS OIL LATE MODEL DIRT SERIES – BATAVIA, OH – Upon considering reaction to last week’s announcement of a reduction in the length of the 14th Annual Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals finale to 80 laps from 100, Knoxville Raceway and Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series officials have agreed to reinstate the feature event to its traditional distance of 100 circuits when it is contested on September 16.
The initial 20-lap cut in race distance was made in an effort to ensure the crown jewel’s $40,000 top prize would not be decided by drivers running out of fuel, which can be an issue in a 100-lap race on the high-speed, half-mile oval. Knoxville Raceway and Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series officials went back to the century grind, however, because the race had been advertised as a 100-lapper and that is what the event’s many advance ticket buyers are expecting.
In order to take fuel mileage out of the race’s equation, the 100-lap main event will be red-flagged for a fuel stop for all teams to top off their cars’ tanks on the first caution flag between laps 20 and 40. If a caution flag does not fly during that stretch, the race will be stopped on lap 40 to allow teams to refuel.
The 14th Annual Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals – Presented by Casey’s General Store will take place Thursday-Saturday, September 14th-16th.
