2/23/2026
Knoxville Raceway
Knoxville Legends Night
KNOXVILLE, Iowa (February 23, 2026) — Officials at Knoxville Raceway are always looking for ways to celebrate the sport of sprint car racing and its rich history. This year, on Saturday, June 6 - near the 73rd anniversary of the track’s first sanctioned race on June 4, 1954 - the Raceway will host the inaugural Knoxville Legends Night, honoring a couple of our former Track Champions who helped shape Knoxville Raceway’s legacy.
During pre-race and post-race activities, Knoxville Raceway will recognize Hall of Famers Randy Smith, David Hesmer, and longtime announcer Jack Herwehe.
Smith is a six-time 410 Track Champion (1979, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1991) with 35 career 410 feature victories. He also earned a 360 Masters Classic win in 2008 and one 305 feature win, making him one of the few drivers to record victories in all three Knoxville sprint car divisions. Smith finished runner-up in the 1979 Knoxville Nationals and was inducted into the Knoxville Raceway Hall of Fame in 1998.
Hesmer is a 60-time 360 feature winner, a four-time 360 Track Champion, and a two-time 360 Knoxville Nationals Champion. He was inducted into the Knoxville Raceway Hall of Fame in 2006. His father, Ken Hesmer, was inducted in 2012.
Herwehe served as one of Knoxville Raceway’s primary track announcers throughout the 1980s and 1990s and will help spotlight these Knoxville Legends throughout the evening.
Prior to the races, fans are invited to the Fan Zone beneath the grandstands for a brief introduction and interview session with the honored guests, followed by a meet-and-greet featuring autograph and photo opportunities. In addition, each legend will participate in Victory Lane presentations at the conclusion of the night.
“I am excited to put this event together to celebrate these legends and our heritage as we reflect on the past 73 years of weekly sanctioned racing,” said Jason Reed, General Manager of Knoxville Raceway. “We hope this piques the interest of our long-time loyal fans, while also giving younger fans the opportunity to learn about the people who helped build Knoxville Raceway into what it is today.”
“What a great opportunity to celebrate the history of Knoxville Raceway,” Herwehe said. “Randy and David are both great men, and it will be special to honor them and their families. They were tremendous talents behind the wheel, and it was a pleasure to call so many of their races. I know our fans will show them the love and appreciation they deserve.”
June 6 — Knoxville Legends Night promises to be a special celebration of Knoxville Raceway’s 73rd season.
The 2026 Knoxville Raceway season begins April 18 with the Pella Motors / Kraig Ford Season Opener, featuring free grandstand admission and the opening night of the Knoxville Championship Series, including 410 Sprint Cars, 360 Sprint Cars, and Pro Sprints.
About Knoxville Raceway:
For more information about Knoxville Raceway visit KnoxvilleRaceway.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X-Twitter, YouTube and TikTok. For tickets or more information visit. knoxvilleraceway.com or call 641-842-5431.
Article Credit: PR - Eric Arnold
Submitted By: Eric Arnold
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