By Lee Elder
KNOXVILLE, Iowa (June 30, 2018) – David Gravel bolted to the lead on a mid-race restart, held off a determined Donny Schatz and won the second night of racing in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Brownell’s Big Guns Bash at Knoxville Raceway.
Schatz won the previous night’s race at Knoxville, started on the pole Saturday and led the first nine laps before Gravel got by.
“We had unfinished business here,” Gravel said. He finished third Friday night.
Schatz led the opening laps and was second to Brad Sweet with nine laps down. Schatz seemed poised to take the lead when a caution flag stopped the action. Gravel was third when the caution flew and then used a brilliant restart to pass the two leaders and then extended his advantage as Sweet and Schatz raced each other.
Schatz, who has a dozen wins this season, took second place on the 16th lap and began tracking the leader. Gravel survived one final restart and won the race.
Gravel said of the final restart, “I thought whoever had the lead there would probably win the race.” He was right.
Schatz was second, followed by Sweet, Brian Brown and Davey Heskin.
NOTES: The event was conducted at a hurried pace due to rain that was expected to arrive before the end of the event. … Heat race winners: Brian Brown, Corey Eliason, Donny Schatz, Terry McCarl. Dash: Donny Schatz. Last Chance Showdown: Kraig Kinser. … Brad Sweet posted the top qualifying time during time trials, a lap of 15.399 seconds around the half-mile Knoxville track.
