Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
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http://aero.knoxvilleraceway.com/Article/1998/sammy-swindell-wins-50-at-60-in-knoxville

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Hmmm......I know there are some key guys missing, but could this be a sign of things to come in August for Sammy?  I know only 22 cars, but still some pretty heavy hitters in that field.  ???

Yes, still some great cars in that field.   Madsen has been on the podium at the Nats the last couple of years.   Not sure what Sammy has found, but good for him.    

For the record it was 25 cars...

Maybe premature to make this statement......but I will anyways:  Reminds me of 2010.  ???  We will see.  The wheels could fall off the bus over the next month too.  (And yes, I realize he was running against 30-40 cars a night in 2010)

True.   We'll have to see if he keeps this speed consistently.   It's likely a good sign though.  

I would agree that the size of the field can have a definate impact on a nights racing, but I do tend to lean towards your way of thinking, as well as others that have posted. Pretty obvious that Sammy has been around long enough to know the difference between a car that is good, and a car that is very good. For sure the odds are pretty steep against him come August, on paper, but they'll be racing on dirt. The other intangible is this......give a driver with Sammy's know how, experience and ability, the added boost of confidence and he most certainly could have a Nationals like he did in 2010. I for one hope he does. Remembering the entire crowd cheering SAMMY, SAMMY, SAMMY, as he walked away from his car, and Sammy bowing back to the crowd was a very memorable moment for those who were there. Having him cheered like that at Knoxville was one for the ages, and one that was well deserved!

Sorry--was making reference to the number of cars that started the feature not entered.  My bad.

I was there also and to see 80% of the crowd cheering for Sammy--when 80% of the crowd doesn't like Sammy--was definitely a show of respect.  It was on my list of top three races that I ever attended--taking into account all four days and the buildup to the race. 

++++++1000000000

Forgot to add......THANKS GOODYEAR.......NOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Did anyone else hear that they let him use a big engine like Richard Petty or just me? Seriously 

Nothing but respect for his past and present accomplishments.Qualifing 13th was a good thing with the invert.Many  races are won from the front row due to the clean air and the cars are so close to same speed. I am sure the WOOwould love to have the extra fans He draws from the his real fans to the ones that are not.I dont care if people boo but when the races are over that should be the end and go home happy.Buying a ticket is the cheapest thing in racing.

Here's why I'm thinking Sammy can compete in August.  He's rolling the bottom so well.  Rolling the bottom seems to be a big need come Saturday at the Nationals.  Assuming he keeps this up, he would be considered one of the 5-10 guys would COULD contend with Schatz.

Sammy won on the restarts by beating Zomer badly off turn 2. If you walked the track after the race turn 2 on top was black slick with no real "curb" on the cusion to lean on. The bottom had a fairly wide lane of still tacky zook clay with no rubber on it. No mystery why Sammy beat Zomer off turn 2 on those restarts. Sammy was fast. Obviously hade a good set up. But being the leader and getting to the bottom first in 1 & 2 on restarts had a LOT to do with getting that win. Zomer stood no chance on the top but you can't pass a guy by following him so he had to try it.

Thank GOD, Lee Harvey, I walked the track too, and found zero grassy knolls. Maybe in all 4 or 5 of those restarts, the #1 was just "faster" than Dusty? Oliver Stone wouldn't touch it, but it looked like SPEED from the book depository, not a shit track...

It would be the coolest thing ever if Sammy won the Nationals. I just wish I could be there to witness it in person. It's a long shot for anyone not named Donny Schatz but I would never be dumb enough to count Sammy out. He's still pretty damn good and anyone who has been around the sport long enough knows just how valuable confidence is. If he racks up a bunch wins leading up to the Nationals and goes into it with a fast car and a good level of confidence, we could very well see Sammy standing at the top of the podium after Saturday night.

Never said it was a "shit track".

Dusty was beside Sammy in the middle of 1 & 2. Sammy had the better lane coming off 2. 

As I said in my post, Sammy obviously had a good set up.

He had pulled out to a big lead before the first yellow.

Just saying as long as Sammy stayed on the bottom Dusty had no chance.

And I like Sammy, so acting like I'm bashing him just makes you look stupid.

And my nick name has nothing to do with JFK's assassination.

Sammy has found something at Knoxville. He's found a lot of speed the last 2 races there on 2 really different types of tracks. I do think now that he is older a win at the Nationals would be very popular. Love to see the old warriors go out with a big bang!

He won without passing a single car all night. Good for him but sitting on the front row helps a lot