Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

     On the heels of the decision to cancel the 2020 King's Royal and with the state of the spread of Covid appears to be, it's seems inevitable that the Knoxville 410 Nationals will be the next to topple. I know it's a different state, a different code level and all but there's too much in limbo to consider having the Nationals, as we know it, to proceed. People need to know whether to make/keep/cancel their plans and I guess we'll know tommorrow, but even the Governor still has to make another declaration at this end of this month to either keep the same level, move forward or heck maybe even move backward. Too much of a headache for the Knoxville officials to deal with in my opinion. I would offer another suggestion, if it would please the court.

    Cancel the Knoxville Nationals as we know it. People get their refunds and/or leave it alone and keep same seats for next year as they have already offered. Instead hold the "Knoxville Invitational", August "Meltdown" whatever you want to call it, but try to get some type of racing in. Most series are "open" that week and still want a place to race. The purse will not necessarily be to "Nationals" standards, but enough to entice drivers to make it worth their while to attend "speedweek", even if it's only for 2 nights instead of 4. The races will all be General Admission and keep the same social distancing rules they had in place for when the Outlaws were there June 12th & 13th. Only difference is, open up the backstretch every night (with concessions) and keep the haulers out of the infield, as is done with the regular Nationals. Poor folks during the Outlaw show couldn't see over half the track if you were below Row 16. If they still would anticipate too large a crowd and tickets would have to be limited, offer the 2 or 4 day passes for a week or two, open to any current 4 day pass ticket holder. Note: If you only need 2 or 4, only order 2 or 4 and not the 10 you usually get for a party that never arrives and pawn the rest off off to the scalpers. After that, open the sales up to any 2 or 4 day passes that maybe left or sell for individual nights alone.

   I know there's two trains of thought here. The crowd that says "Live free or die" and the other half that are "familiar with the fact that the first half will ignore this particular problem until it swims up and bites them in the ass" (shout out to Shark Racing). I respect the people that choose to decline the trip this year. My wife and I too have debated said trip because of the fact that she's a two time breast cancer survivor and maybe at a higher risk. We feel if we're smart about the distancing thing and respect others space, we can be safe and have a good time regardless. We decided to make the trip again this year to hopefully the 3 days of the 360 Nationals and Osky for 2 nights. Knoxville's announcement tommorrow will make us decide whether we stay or pack up for home, you can visit only so many winery's and breweries in the area. Like I said before, the governor could put a whole stop to the whole thing later this month and the question would be moot, but at least it's a try.

We will find out the decision in the next couple of days. Knoxville replied to a few people on social media that the track and fairboard would announce how they would move forward with the Nationals beginning of July. They gave a date but I do not remember if it was July1st or 2nd or during the weekend. We will see what happens. I will go and be as safe as I can & be respectful of others but, its not my decision to make. Whatever decision they make I'll still support the track either way. Whether its a full cancellation, partial Nationals, full Nationals, or a regular outlaw race I will go to the race if they happen

I think the 1st and only Covid-19 Nationals should happen. Running the 60th annual for a reduced purse and crowd seems less than ideal.

I have already made the decision I will not be going if they have the nationals.

My parents made the decision a long time ago they weren't going.

I know alot of fans that sit around me are all older and I bet they are all leaning the same way and not going.

Not really sure why Knoxville doesn't see the reality of this and that having the Nats could pose a huge PR disaster for them if cases explode in that area after its over.

I heard something that supposedly came from a Fairboard member that I had not thought of.   

They are concerned of what would be the after affects be on the residents of Knoxville and the surrounding area.

Unlike most tracks, the track is right in town.  The campgrounds are in town.  Thousands of outsiders will come and mix with residents for at least a full week or more. 

I just previously thought of myself and how to keep safe in the stands.  

No Nationals this year. 

Appears the 60th has been postponed until next year. However they will be running 3 nights of racing with the World of Outlaws 8/13-8/15. Full release below

KNOXVILLE, IA (June 30, 2020) -- The Marion County Fair Board and Knoxville Raceway have postponed the 60th running of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s until August 11-14, 2021.

In lieu of the Knoxville Nationals, Knoxville Raceway will partner with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series for three nights of racing, August 13-15, culminating with the Brownells Capitani Classic presented by Great Southern Bank, previously scheduled on Sunday, August 9. The 2020 Brownells Capitani Classic presented by Great Southern Bank will pay $50,000 to win and $3,000 to start. Due to COVID restrictions, only 7,000 spectators will be permitted to attend each night. Further information for this race will be announced at a later date.

“This is devastating for all of us on the fair board and at the track, as we know it is for all our fans, competitors, sponsors, employees and everyone in the racing community,” said Brian Bailey, president of the Marion County Fair Board. “A year without the Knoxville Nationals just feels surreal. This is not the outcome any of us wanted. We can promise everyone, that when the 60th running of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s happens, it will be our biggest event yet. We’ll be eager and ready to welcome all 23,000-plus fans back to Knoxville.”

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Knoxville Raceway officials have worked diligently with local government and Iowa state officials to craft a safe plan to host the 60th NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s. Unfortunately, as case numbers continue to rise in the country and mass gatherings continue to be discouraged, the track’s latest and most viable event plan was not approved.

“Since March, we have collaborated on several different plans with state and local officials to make the Knoxville Nationals happen,” Bailey said. “In the end, we were just up against too many obstacles to make the event happen safely and at the level expected of the Knoxville Nationals. We’re grateful for all of the time, effort and understanding we’ve received throughout the process. Collectively, everyone is disappointed with this outcome.”

Ticketing and camping information is listed below. For all inquiries concerning the postponement of the 60th NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s, please call the ticket office at 641-842-5431.

Information on Tickets and Camping:
Tickets: All tickets purchased for the 2020 NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s will be automatically rolled over to the 2021 event. If fans prefer to forfeit their 2021 tickets and receive a refund, they are encouraged to call the Knoxville Raceway ticket office at 641-842-5431. Existing 60th NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s tickets will not be valid for the 2021 event. New tickets will be issued.

Tickets for the 2020 Knoxville Nationals will not be transferable to the aforementioned three-day World of Outlaws event this August.

Previously purchased tickets for the Brownells Capitani Classic presented by Great Southern Bank will be refunded. Information on purchasing tickets for the re-scheduled Capitani Classic on August 15 will be announced soon.

Camping: If you have a camping reservation at the race track or at the North Campgrounds during the dates of August 6 – August 15, 2020 and your plans have changed and reservation needs to be modified, please call the ticket office to request a roll over to the 2021 NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s or a refund no later than Wednesday, July 15.

2020 Season: Barring any unforeseen changes, all other events on the 2020 Knoxville Raceway schedule are on as scheduled. All events, as of now, have a maximum capacity of 7,000 spectators.