History was made Saturday night at Knoxville Raceway as David Hesmer won the Inaugural Big A Auto Parts Limited Sprint Nationals.
The 25-lap event saw polesitter Fran Bruns jump to an immediate lead with Danny Young glued to his rear bumper. The two roared to a big lead as Bruns ran the high side of the half-mile oval and Young used the low groove.
Lap nine saw new track recordholder Young drop off the pace and he eventually
fell from the event with a broken bird cage. On the restart, Bruns flew to a big lead again but lost it all when the yellow flag came out on lap 14 for a two-car incident.
The restart saw Hesmer shoot to the cushion as Bruns protected the low
side. As they came past the flagstand Hesmer had the lead and Bruns appeared to be slowing. One lap later, Bruns coasted to the Infield with a blown engine.
The final stages of the event saw Mark Wilson first challenge Hesmer, and then on lap 21 tail-end starter Garry Lee Maier made his bid for the top spot. Maier shot to the low side of turns one and two with Hesmer on the cushion for two consecutive laps.
The challenges were too little, too late as the high-riding Hesmer was able to pull away on the straightaways.
When the checkered flag waved, 50 yards in front the Action Auto Racing Team was $2,500 richer. Hesmer’s American Challenge chassis sported a new Gaerte engine and was shod with Goodyear tires.
Maier finished second, Mark Wilson took third for Bob Trostle who participated in the Knoxville Nationals of 1961.