Motorsports

David Gravel Ready for Another ‘Hard Knox’ Fight at Knoxville Nationals – Speedway Digest

Published

5 months ago

August 10, 2025

David Gravel has faced tough situations at the Knoxville Nationals before. For the second time in three years, the defending World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series champion finds himself in another one heading into FVP “Hard Knox” Night at Knoxville Raceway.

The Watertown, CT-native is on the entry list for Friday’s preliminary event, needing a top-four finish in the Feature to earn himself a spot in the 64th running of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s on Saturday. Should he fail to reach the top four by the checkered flag, he’ll be forced to run through the lower mains Saturday afternoon to try for one of the final remaining spots.

His circumstance comes in the wake of an incident on the opening lap of Wednesday’s first Heat Race, when he and Hunter Schuerenberg came together going into Turn 1, sending Gravel’s car into the outside wall and tumbling over before coming to rest.

“After watching the video, I don’t think anything was done intentionally, like why would anyone do anything intentional,” Gravel said. “But I think, in my opinion, Hunter overdrove the corner and got in dirty air, and his car went straight.

“But I just don’t know where he was going. I was there the whole time, I was in front of him, I know he saw me.”

Gravel climbed from the heavily damaged Big Game Motorsports No. 2 uninjured and met DIRTVision reporter Conner Wade for a brief discussion of the incident from his point of view. His words were predominantly met with a shower of loud boos and jeers from the thousands in attendance, as well as an onslaught of online discussion between fans on social media.

Recently, Gravel has been one of the most talked-about topics in Sprint Car racing and has thus seen an uptick in his mentions on social media, largely stemming from past on-track incidents and online interactions with three-time and defending Knoxville Nationals champion Kyle Larson.

“It’s all good. We’ve won a lot of races over the years and have been stinking up the Outlaws a little bit, and I don’t think people like that,” Gravel said. “There’s things that have been going on behind the scenes, and we’re not gonna let people push us around, we’re gonna stand our ground. You can either choose to like me, or you don’t, and we’ll race it out on the track.”

The loud boos from the crowd may persist, but they have hardly broken the spirits of the 2019 Knoxville Nationals winner. Fellow World of Outlaws champions Steve Kinser and Donny Schatz can recall enduring similar treatment at the heights of their winning ways, getting booed by crowds at tracks across the country as they dominated the circuit and cashed the biggest checks in dirt track racing history.

While Gravel has yet to match the two titans’ accolades and immortal status in Sprint Car racing, he acknowledged that it may be something he encounters more of on his journey upward.

“I haven’t done it long enough to dominate these series like Steve and Donny have, but I remember Donny getting booed a lot,” Gravel said. “Every Kings Royal or Knoxville Nationals, he’d have more boos than cheers, and he’s the cleanest racecar driver out there. So, for him to get booed, it just shows that there’s a lot of jealousy.”

In the minutes following the Gravel and Schuerenberg incident, the Big Game Motorsports crew began working furiously to make repairs and ready the car to try and make a run through Wednesday’s lower mains. However, Gravel came up four spots short of a transfer spot into the Feature and was forced to watch from the pits as his competition got a head start on locking into Saturday’s $195,000-to-win main event.

“It was a bummer,” Gravel said. “We were in such good position after getting a terrible pill draw to go fourth quick. All I had to do was finish that Heat Race, not even transfer through the Heat, and we’d have been locked in the A-Main. It’s very frustrating, the guys work hard to give you a capable race car. You do everything right, and then it gets taken away from you. It definitely stings.”

Now, his attention turns to the most difficult preliminary night known to the racetrack — “Hard Knox” Night. Sixteen drivers have been locked into Saturday’s main event, while another 10 have been seeded by points totals into the first five rows of the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown. That means all other drivers will take to the track on Friday — approximately 30 more than the Wednesday/Thursday preliminary fields — vying for a top-four finish in the main event.

“You kinda eliminate at least 20 of the top contenders in the race, and then you’ll still have some really good guys in the Hard Knox night,” Gravel said. “We believe in what we can do. It’s a fresh slate. We’ll be able to qualify, and this invert is a lot smaller in the Heat Races on Hard Knox night.”

It’s a big field and a big challenge, but not one that Gravel hasn’t seen and had success in conquering before. During the 2023 Knoxville Nationals, he navigated a near identical situation on his preliminary night, crashing on the opening lap of his Heat, winning the C-Main and making a charge through the Last Chance Showdown field before falling short by a handful of spots.

Come “Hard Knox” Night, Gravel started seventh in the Feature and finished second, setting him up for an epic 22nd-to-second charge in the main event on Saturday and his second-consecutive Knoxville Nationals runner-up finish.

“It’s definitely a hard thing to do. It used to be easy, and then the last three years or whatever have been hard,” Gravel said. “It seems like the prelim nights always went my way. Got through my Heat Race and had a good Feature race, and it always turned out in good shape. But here lately, I’ve wrecked twice in a Heat Race. Last year, I had to come from the B-Main on the prelim night and on Saturday. Definitely been a lot more hard work here the last three years.”

Watch Gravel and the Big Game Motorsports team take on FVP “Hard Knox” Night at Knoxville Raceway tonight — Friday, Aug. 8. Tickets are on sale in advance at the link below and will also be sold at the track.

If you can’t be there to watch in person, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

DIRTcar Series PR

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Motorsports

Former Watkins Glen President Michael Printup 1965-2025

Published

10 hours ago

January 3, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Racing America is devastated to confirm the sudden passing of Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup at 60 years of age. Michael was an icon in motorsports, a great partner and a friend. His passion for racing and commitment to the industry made a lasting impact on the sport. He will be deeply missed. Racing America sends our thoughts and condolences to Michael’s family, friends and colleagues.

Michael first joined Racing America in July 2023 as the President of Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). In January 2024, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, as well as all racing operations. A native of Hamburg, N.Y., Michael spent nearly three decades working for NASCAR, most notably in the role of president of Watkins Glen International. He was also president of Americrown and oversaw the Levy food service contract for 12 NASCAR-owned racetracks.

Michael leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, two boys Brendan (and wife Caitlin) and Matthew, and two granddaughters, Sophia and Vivienne.

A memorial service for Michael will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at James A. Dyal Funeral Home (303 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483)

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Motorsports

Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing Announce Strategic Partnership for 2026 Mustang Challenge

Published

10 hours ago

January 3, 2026

Your Sports Nation

CONCORD, NC, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Wheelhouse Motorsports today announced a new strategic partnership with Robert Noaker Racing (RNR), uniting two leading organizations known for their development of competitive Mustang racing programs. The collaboration brings together RNR’s championship-winning expertise with Wheelhouse’s operational strength, deep technical resources, and nationally recognized driver development capabilities.

Robert Noaker Racing enters the partnership following back-to-back Team and Driver Championships in 2024 and 2025, including a flawless 2025 Mustang Challenge season in which the Noaker-prepared car led every lap of every race. Wheelhouse Motorsports will integrate this proven technical knowledge with its own established infrastructure, including its GT4 Mustang program competing in the World Racing League (WRL).

Operations will be based at the Wheelhouse Motorsports facility located on the campus of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Wheelhouse team, including the manager, engineering staff, and technical crew, brings over 100 years of combined motorsports experience to the program. At the track, competitors will also recognize familiar faces, as the RNR crew, led by Bob Noaker, will collaborate with Wheelhouse personnel to support all Mustang Challenge efforts.
“As we continue to expand Wheelhouse Motorsports, this partnership represents a significant step forward,” said Dan McKeever, owner of Wheelhouse Motorsports. “Robert Noaker Racing has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the Mustang Dark Horse R platform, and by combining that expertise with our operational systems and our long-standing commitment to driver development, we are well-positioned to deliver a next-level experience for our customers and competitors.”

The alliance leverages Wheelhouse’s roots in operating the Ford Performance Racing School, the nation’s premier performance driving school since 2006. The organization operates owner-experience programs for Ford and offers 1-day, 2-day, and Advanced high-performance driving courses, giving clients access to top-tier coaching and continuous development. Integrating this expertise with RNR’s race-winning preparation provides a comprehensive solution for drivers seeking a pathway into professional competition.

“This partnership allows both of our organizations to do what we do best,” said Robert Noaker, owner of Robert Noaker Racing. “Wheelhouse brings unmatched operational depth, driver training, and a world-class facility. When we combine that with the experience our team has developed running and winning with the Dark Horse R, we create a program built to elevate any driver who wants to compete at a higher level.”

Through this partnership, drivers have the following opportunities:
– Lease a Mustang Dark Horse R for the entire 2026 Mustang Challenge season.
– Contract Wheelhouse/RNR to maintain and operate their own cars.
– Compete with Wheelhouse Motorsports in the WRL series, piloting a GTO-class Mustang GT4.

Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing look forward to delivering a comprehensive, competitive, and professionally supported environment for drivers seeking championship-caliber performance in 2026 and beyond.

Bill Johnson
Wheelhouse
+1 910-658-1447
email us here

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Motorsports

Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing Announce Strategic Partnership for 2026 Mustang Challenge

Published

13 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Bill Johnson
Wheelhouse
+1 910-658-1447
email us here

Legal Disclaimer:

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Motorsports

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering To Celebrate the World’s Most Iconic Vehicles

Published

15 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering returns to Monterey Car Week Aug. 14, 2026, to celebrate the world’s most iconic automotive brands and historic vehicles, company officials stated in a press release. The event will showcase four featured classes and an exclusive collector series. The 23rd annual event will also include more than a dozen vehicle debuts from top OEMs and designers and a curated display of hundreds of rare and unique vehicles.

Four celebrated classes will take center stage at next year’s event: The 100th Anniversary of Route 66, The Lamborghini Diablo, The Legacy of Japanese GTs, and The Ferrari F40.

The 100th Anniversary of Route 66

Spanning nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 symbolizes freedom, adventure and the enduring spirit of the American road trip, noted the release. This special featured class will pay tribute to the highway’s cultural impact through a curated lineup of classic vehicles that once traveled America’s “Mother Road,” each honoring Route 66’s role in shaping American automotive history and inspiring generations of travelers.

The Lamborghini Diablo

The Lamborghini Diablo featured class will celebrate the “poster car” of the 1990s. Lamborghini’s first model capable of exceeding 200 mph and a former holder of the world’s fastest production car title, the Diablo stands as an icon of futuristic design and breakthrough engineering, solidifying Lamborghini’s standing as a trailblazer in modern supercar performance, event organizers said. The class will include Diablo examples, highlighting rare specifications and limited-production editions.

The Legacy of Japanese GTs

Celebrating the legacy of Japanese automotive craftsmanship, the artistry of customizable styling and advanced technology, The Legacy of Japanese GTs class will showcase a selection of the most influential and sought-after models. Famous for their distinctive blend of performance, precision and tunability, Japanese GTs have earned a devoted following among enthusiasts worldwide.

The Ferrari F40

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering will honor an iconic Ferrari model for the second consecutive year with The Ferrari F40 featured class. Celebrated as one of the most iconic supercars ever built and introduced in 1987 to commemorate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the F40 was the final Ferrari model to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. This class will highlight the raw performance and engineering excellence that continue to define Ferrari’s legacy.

Ferrari F50 GT. (Photo courtesy The Quail)

The Bruce Meyer Collection

The Quail will also introduce an all-new collector series that will highlight unique collections from renowned collectors and enthusiasts. Among them, Bruce Meyer is widely recognized as one of the most passionate and influential car collectors in the hot rod and classic car spaces. Driven by his signature mantra, “never lift,” Meyer has assembled one of the finest private collections of Le Mans-winning race cars, Bonneville land speed cars, trend-setting hot rods and many other cars and motorcycles of historical significance. The Bruce Meyer Collection will present an exclusive selection that reflects his profound appreciation for the automotive hobby.

Timeless Craftsmanship & Heritage Will Be on Display at The Quail

“Our new featured classes, alongside the debut of the collector series, are propelling The Quail into an exciting new era,” said Gordon McCall, director of motorsports at The Quail. “Collectively, they showcase emerging technologies and design philosophies, while upholding the timeless craftsmanship and heritage that have been at the heart of this event for more than two decades.”

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering will also include eight returning traditional classes, including Custom Coachwork, Pre-War Sports and Racing Cars, Post-War Sports Cars 1945-60, Post-War Sports Cars 1961-75, Post-War Racing Cars, Sports and Racing Motorcycles, Evolution of the Supercar and The Great Ferraris.

The vehicle entrant application is currently open.

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Motorsports

Page Not Found | THE SHOP

Published

15 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Page Not Found | THE SHOP

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Motorsports

Business Leader and Former NASCAR Team Marketing Executive Tony Priscaro Releases His New Book Still Standing, A Real-World Guide to Building Credibility When the Stakes Are High – Speedway Digest

Published

15 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Tony Priscaro, founder of PK Velocity Sports & Entertainment and a veteran sports marketing executive, has released his debut book, Still Standing, now available on Amazon and Kindle. The book delivers a candid, practical look at leadership, resilience, and value creation drawn from decades operating at the intersection of professional sports and business.

Unlike traditional business books rooted in theory, Still Standing is built on real-world execution—closing high-stakes deals, navigating career pivots, managing risk, and rebuilding momentum when circumstances collapse.

“This isn’t a book about success,” said Priscaro. “It’s about what happens between success—the pressure, the setbacks, the moments where quitting feels logical but staying the course matters most.”

Priscaro’s career spans professional sports marketing, NASCAR sponsorship strategy, corporate partnerships, and brand development. In Still Standing, he translates lessons learned in high-pressure sports environments into actionable insights for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals.

“In sports, there’s no room for excuses,” Priscaro said. “You either deliver or you don’t. That same reality exists in business—especially when trust, reputation, and credibility are on the line.”

A Business Book Disguised as a Story

While the book draws on experiences from NASCAR, professional basketball, and national brand partnerships, Still Standing is ultimately about business fundamentals: decision-making under uncertainty, earning trust without credentials, and creating value when resources are limited.

“Brands don’t care where you went to school,” Priscaro noted. “They care if you can reduce risk, execute consistently, and deliver results. That lesson applies to every industry.”

The book has already begun resonating with professionals navigating career transitions, leadership challenges, and entrepreneurial risk.

Supporting Speaking & Executive Engagements

The release of Still Standing coincides with Priscaro’s expanded focus on executive speaking engagements and business workshops. His talks center on leadership under pressure, credibility over credentials, and what professional sports reveal about how decisions are really made in business.

“I didn’t write this book to sell books,” said Priscaro. “I wrote it to start conversations—with leaders, teams, and organizations that want to perform when the stakes are real.”

Tony Priscaro PR

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