KNOXVILLE, Iowa — It’s difficult to qualify for the Knoxville Nationals. Spencer Bayston can attest to that.
After several disappointing years of failing to lock into the main event, Bayston got the job done Thursday night, finishing third in the feature and locking into 13th starting position for Saturday’s 50-lap, $185,000-to-win main event.
“It’s everything. It’s something I have been trying to do for several years now,” said the driver of the CJB Motorsports No. 5. “I never made a Knoxville Nationals A-main, this is my first one, and to do it in this fashion after being a little bit further behind after qualifying than we wanted to be, for me, it’s huge.
“I had overwhelming joy crossing the finish line. For CJB and our owner Chad Clemons, we work tirelessly and last year here things didn’t go the way we planned, and it hasn’t been for a lack of effort. It is very rewarding to have an A-main spot locked in.
“For my family, my fiancé, Audrey, we’re new to this life a little bit, so to be able to come to the biggest stage and be in the dance is extremely special to me and everyone around me.”
Thursday night winner Carson Macedo used Bayston’s comments to demonstrate how difficult it is to win the Nationals.
“It’ll be a war for that win on Saturday night. It always is,” Macdo began. “What Spencer said earlier says a lot about this. I think Spencer is an incredible race car driver. I have always thought he was very good, and for him to say this is his first Knoxville Nationals, says a lot about this race.
“It’s not easy to make the Knoxville Nationals, it’s not easy to win the Knoxville Nationals, and that’s why there is a short list of guys who have done it.”