COMMENTARY-Iowa Speedweek, Part 1

I arrived in Knoxville on Sunday, and caught the Brodix Tournament of Champions that night. In a surprise, Jason Johnson won the main. Ok, that's not really a surprise. Johnson is pretty tough to be any night out in a 360.

Billy Alley was second, Brian Brown third.

The ToC is an event that is usually lost in the shuffle between the conclusion of the 360 Nationals, and the start of racing at Osky on Monday. It's a recovery day for most fans, and with the high heat and humidity, the crowds were sparse.

On Monday night, we took in the Back Row Challenge. Promoter Terry McCarl knows how to put on an entertaining show, with an endless supply of beads, t-shirts and hats thrown into the crowd, and product giveaways for the winning drivers, it was an exciting evening on and off the track.

The highlight may have been the footrace down the front stretch, won by Tyler Walker. For his effort, Walker was awarded a $5000 set of cylinder heads.

Mark Dobmeier was awarded the first choice of taking the challenge, but he declined. Instead, outside pole sitter Joey Saldana took the Challenge and started 24th.

As the feature progressed, Saldana moved up quickly to mid-pack. Unfortunately, a crash involving two lapped cars, and Dobmeier ended Saldana's chances for the $50,000 prize. It was reported that a piece of debris from the incident got into Saldana's cage.

Reportedly the injury isn't bad, it was enough to knock him out of the race. Daryn Pittman inherited the lead, and went on to win. Tyler Walker was second, Tim Kaeding third.

The weather in Osky was absolutely miserable. Temps were in the 90's, and the humidity was near 80%. If that's not enough to wipe you out, you're tougher than I am!

Tonight we return to Oskaloosa for the USAC sprints. The days are going to be pretty hectic, but we've got some cool things planned for NOS promotions, so I'll enjoy it!