(Photo: Rob Kocak)
Bryan Hulbert – KNOXVILLE, Iowa (August 3, 2023) Kicking off his title defense of the Xtreme powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals presented by Great Southern Bank underway, Aaron Reutzel captured the opening night of action at Knoxville Raceway with the American Sprint Car Series presented by RacinDirt.com.
Aaron’s ninth career win in the 360cid division at Knoxville Raceway, Thursday’s triumph is the 23rd time the 2015 ASCS National Champion has topped the American Sprint Car Series presented by RacinDirt.com.
The kick-off to the 33rd running of the 360 Knoxville Nationals, Aaron made quick moves in the Ridge and Sons Racing No. 8 on the start, going three-wide for the runner-up spot from fourth. Caution on Lap 5, Aaron pursued Colby to the low side as tenth-starting Sam Hafertepe, Jr., who was up to fifth, hit the cushion to take over third before red lights came on for Tasker Phillips, following a soft rollover.
Able to fend off Aaron on the restart, the field would finally find traffic and allow Aaron a chance at the lead. Catching a break on Lap 15 as Colby slipped the line, Aaron took over with Hafertepe following to second the following lap.
“I needed (no yellows) and some lapped traffic,” said Reutzel. “The bottom was too easy to hit. My car was great; he was just running a good race. It seemed like every time I got there and made a mistake; he’d slide up in front of me where I had to move a little. We got some lapped traffic, and I was finally able to seal the deal there. I can’t thank this team enough.”
Able to use traffic to his advantage, Aaron Reutzel pulled away by 0.504-seconds at the drop of the checkered flag. Sam Hafertepe, Jr., in second, was followed by KSE Hard Charger Scott Bogucki, who charged ahead 12 spots for the show position. Chase Randall ran 12th to fourth, with Colby Copeland slipping to fifth.
Jamie Ball, sixth, was followed by Jason Martin. Eighth went to Austin McCarl from 14th, with Kelby Watt and Justin Peck picking up six positions to finish tenth.
Thursday’s opener saw 50 of the 53 drivers slated to run checking in. Another 56 drivers are slated to run Friday.
Kaleb Johnson topped The Driver’s Project Qualifying with a time of 16.389-seconds. AR Dyno Specialty Heat Races were topped by Brenham Crouch, Tasker Phillips, Jason Martin, Austin McCarl, and Scott Bogucki. The Hoosier Tire C-Feature went to Laim Martin, with the BMRS B-Feature topped by Ryan Leavitt.
Points following Thursday’s preliminary night show Aaron Reutzel earning 483. Kelby Watt sits second (472), with Ryan Timms and Kaleb Johnson tied for third (470). Tanner Holmes is fifth (467).
The Xtreme powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals presented by Great Southern Bank continues Friday, August 4, with cars on track at 6:45 P.M. (CDT) for Hot Laps.
Live coverage of Knoxville Raceway can be found at http://www.dirtvision.com.
The 2023 season will mark the 32nd year of competition for the American Sprint Car Series. Spearheaded by the American Sprint Car Series National Tour, the ASCS Nation includes Regional Tours that encompass both wing and non-wing competition.
For other news, notes, and information on any of the tours under the ASCS banner, log onto http://www.ascsracing.com, follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@ascsracing).
Bryan Hulbert | American Sprint Car Series
