David Gravel opened his 2024 World of Outlaws campaign in commanding fashion, driving the #2 Big Game Motorsports entry to victory in Friday night's feature at Knoxville Raceway.
Gravel started from the pole position and led wire-to-wire in the 25-lap main event, crossing the finish line 2.3 seconds ahead of runner-up Carson Macedo. The Watertown, Connecticut native survived two late-race restarts to secure his first win of the season and stamp himself as the driver to beat heading into Saturday's series finale.
"Knoxville is such a special place to win at," Gravel said in Victory Lane. "To start the season like this with this team, it's exactly what we needed."
Kyle Larson Returns to Sprint Cars with Top-Five Finish
NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson made his first sprint car start of the season a competitive one, finishing fourth in his familiar #57 entry for Paul Silva.
Larson, who qualified sixth in the 28-car field, advanced to third in his heat race before settling into fourth during the feature. He challenged Sheldon Haudenschild for the final podium spot in the closing laps but couldn't complete the pass on the slick half-mile oval.
The Elk Grove, California driver is expected to compete in Saturday's second leg of the Clash before departing for NASCAR duties at Las Vegas.
Field of 63 410s Highlights Deep Talent Pool
Friday's program drew 63 410-winged sprint cars, the largest World of Outlaws field at Knoxville since the 2022 Nationals. The stout entry list forced several established teams into the B-main, including Daryn Pittman and Spencer Bayston, both of whom transferred into the feature through last-chance qualifying.
The robust car count signals strong momentum for the series following an offseason of rules stability and schedule expansion.
Fan Experience Winner to Drive Scelzi's Machine
Between Saturday's heat races and feature, Knoxville Raceway will host its annual fan promotion drawing, with one ticket holder earning the opportunity to pilot Giovanni Scelzi's #18 sprint car for three ceremonial laps around the historic half-mile.
Scelzi, who finished seventh in Friday's feature, will accompany the winner in a two-seat configuration before signing autographs at the pit gate. The promotion begins at 5:15 p.m. CT, approximately 90 minutes before green flag racing resumes.
Saturday's Stakes
Gravel's $15,000 victory gives him early momentum, but the Premier Chevy Dealers Clash concludes Saturday night with a $20,000-to-win finale. Macedo, Haudenschild, and Larson headline the list of drivers aiming to prevent Gravel from completing the weekend sweep.
Time trials for Saturday's program begin at 5:45 p.m. CT, with the 30-lap feature scheduled for approximately 9:00 p.m.
