Get to know a few of the Lucas Oil LM drivers
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
By Eric Arnold, Track Historian
The 11th Annual Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals begin this Thursday, September 25th, and competition will be scorching among the Lucas Oil Late Model drivers. Get to know Scott Bloomquist, Donny Schatz, Don O’Neal and Jimmy Owens, four hot drivers featured in this weekend’s event.
Scott Bloomquist
Only one driver has made it to the top of the podium twice in the ten-year history of Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals at Knoxville: Scott Bloomquist. “Bloomer” is a Late Model legend and has had an impressive 2014 season to date, giving him momentum going in to the weekend: he claimed $30,000 with an I-80 Speedway Silver Dollar Nationals win in Greenwood, NE in July; he took home $47,000 from his fourth Eldora Speedway World 100 in early September; and he won his fifth career Jackson 100 last weekend in Brownstown, IN. "We have had a great run here lately winning the World 100 and now the Jackson 100," Bloomquist said. "It’s on to another one of my favorite places to run at in Knoxville, Iowa. I was born in Iowa and that race has been a special race from day one.” These crown jewel event wins make Bloomquist the favorite once again at Knoxville Raceway.
Donny Schatz
Eight-time FVP Knoxville Nationals champion Donny Schatz is currently scheduled to race Thursday night only. Schatz races with the World of Outlaws sprint cars, but on his off-nights, races Late Models in his home state of North Dakota. At last year’s Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals, Schatz made a visit as a spectator in the pit area. His first time putting late model rubber to the dirt in Knoxville was in July during a test run. Schatz knows Knoxville Raceway better than anyone, but can he translate that skill set to a late model and be competitive against the best in late model racing?
Don O’Neal
Don O’Neal is the current point leader of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, and was the first place finisher of the Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals in 2011. His 2014 career includes big wins: O’Neal claimed $25,000 and a victory at the I-77 Raceway Park Hillbilly 100 in Ripley, WV; and $30,000 for a first place finish at the Lucas Oil Speedway Show-Me 100 in Wheatland, MO. Can O’Neal use his confidence as the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series points leader to take him to #1?
Jimmy Owens
Jimmy Owens is currently second in points with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Owens has enjoyed a strong 2014 season so far, highlighted with a $40,000 win at the Topless 100 in Batesville, AR. He took first in the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Championships, and would love to add the Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals to his career accomplishments.
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