Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

who do you think is most likely to win a 2nd Knoxville nationals

Sammy Swindell, Tim Shaffer, Kraig Kinser?

Well--not exactly a likely scenario for any of them.  However, if you are looking for what the Vegas oddsmakers would put on it, I think Sammy would have the slight edge.  Not to say that I think he can win it this year, but neither can the other two again.  Sammy is the best wild card though.  If he gets hooked up, he might be a suprise.  ?  Everyone thought he was buried 6 or 7 years ago and he came back strong, so who knows.?

I think it's Kraig Kinser and it's not even close, and that's based off the math of the situation. He's 29 and could easily have another 30+ years left driving. Sammy's 58 so I would only think he had a handful of years left. 

Shaffer's kind of a wild card but I think his 2010 win was a perfect storm of things happening. Not to take anything away from it.

When I read this, I read it as "this year." I think Sammy has more of a chance than the other two in any given year, although Kraig has the best chance to win another throughout his career because of his age. But I really wouldn't count out Shaffer this year either. The Grove-owned 45 is always a strong ride, no matter who is behind the wheel. And Brian Kemenah is one of the best sprint car crew chiefs in the country. I'd bet money they at least run top ten this year. SprintFan, you mentioned that his win a couple years back was a "perfect storm" and while I agree for the most part, I think Kraig's win was as well. As for Sammy, remember, he's been so close to getting that second Nationals win twice. Hard to believe it's been 30 years since he won it. He definitely deserves it. The fact that he has only won one is a shame given every other statistic he has.

Ok--good points from both.  I definitely read it as meaning this year.  So, for this year, Sammy has a better chance.  I know Kraig had a stronger run last year than Sammy, but he was not close to a winning car--at that race.  Yes--the 45 is tough--but not close to a winning car--at that race.   Sammy has the best chance of showing up THIS YEAR and catching lightning in a bottle.  As for the next 20, I would say his chances will diminish very quickly.

I'd agree that in 2014, Sammy has the best chance of winning a second. There are many names going for No. 1 above that though. If I was making odds, I don't think I'd have Sammy in the top 10 favorites - I may even be hard-pressed to have him in the top 20. 

I think a good question would be who of the three has the best chance to put it in Saturday's A main. I don't know that I'd say Sammy has the best chances - I kind of feel he can be very polarizing at Knoxville in being one of the top cars or struggling heavily. 

Hmmm...interesting topic. I like it. Sammy definitely if we're talking about 2014 but I also second whoever said don't underestimate Shaffer this year in the 45. 

The way I look at it the most likely to win it in 2014 is:

1. Schatz

2. Schatz

3. Schatz 

4. Brian Brown

5. About 25 different drivers, if things fall perfectly into place throughout the week. 

You know--that is about the best way anyone can state it.  It's really weird but I never thought of it that way--Kraig and Tim have the best chance at making the A-main--but I'm with you-Sammy has the best chance to win it.  He either has it dialed in like a beast or he will not even get in.  GREAT POINT!

Dirthawk--you are about right on also.   Agree with you--Donny gets the top 5 spots for me.  (even though I don't want to see another win from him all that bad) 

I think one guy we need to talk about very seriously--and i know this has been beaten like a dead horse over the years--Is Joey.  I think he is very, very quietly finding his mojo in that car.  I know leading the points isn't considered quiet, but not a lot of hype right now.  Will he finally have enough?  

Back to the original topic though--Sammy is one of those guys that could unload fast and be a handful.  Then again--he could be 10th in the C. 

Qualifying is of the utmost importance for the Nationals and no one can hold a candle to the 71M right now. They've been on fire lately. 

One thing is for certain - Schatz is king, but he better no hope to keep putting himself behind the eight ball like has the past two years. Sooner or later he'll run into some bad luck in Saturday's A or just not have the car to get up there. 

Sambo is like Mario at indy ... one is all he'll get. With that said if Shane Stewart starts up front he might be your man in 2014.....he has $$$$$ behind him this time.

Sammy is like Mario, they both should have about 4 wins.  I would not place much of a bet of any of the three winning this year.

Sammy gets hungry for a win as if he had never had one, ever, and he'll be like that for the National's...Sammy.

Half the lies they tell about me aren't true. 

Couldn't agree more about Sammy. It will be sad when him and Steve are both retired.

I agree with your top 5 except Brad Sweet. He most certainly has the money behind him but I think Justin Henderson has a better chance. The Knoxville regulars certainly have a shot at winning it this year. (Dollansky,Henderson,Brown,McCarl,Ian Madsen,Zomer,Dobmeier, and Maeschen.)

Sammy i would say has the best chance to win this year and in the near future if he still has big game behind him. but like most said none of them would make my top 10 list of guys to win this year. not sure how much the Indy #71 has for backing but i think Kevin had a great nationals and could be a darkhorse