Knudtson: Second Win in Four Races

[tqj3]

Release: May 9, 2005

 

Boerne Driver Knudtson's Second Win in Just Four Races Moves Viking Racing Camaro to Lead in Sportsman Chase at San Antonio Speedway

 

San Antonio – Eric Knudtson couldn't get the handle on the Viking Racing Chevrolet Camaro early in the season but still drove hard and finished third in each of the first two Sportsman points races. Last weekend the team had the car almost on the money and Eric cranked it up to dominate and take his first win of 2005. This week was nearly perfect: the car was so good Knudtson only ran seven hot laps before parking the Viking Camaro until the heat race. From the fourth spot in the heat he went to the lead and held it, with Justin Oates moving from fifth to second.

 

Then, starting seventh in the field next to 2004 Sportsman and NASCAR Sunbelt champion Oates, Eric went to the lead in just five laps with Oates following him through the field. The two finished the same way they had in the heat race, but reversing their positions in last year's title chase; when Knudtson finished just 24 points behind Oates after a season of battle.

 

During that 2004 chase Eric won twice. Now, only four races into the 2005 championship, he's already equaled that number and takes the lead in points ahead of Greg Rohmer and Tater Mason.

 

"We're not touching the car," he said Monday. "We'll bring it back next Saturday just like it left the track Saturday night. It's too early to worry about points, but it's still a boost to get into the lead and even nicer to win twice this early in the season. On the other hand, I'm not expecting Greg and Tater to lay down, and they look like the two to beat right now."

 

From the looks of things the last two weeks, it might be just as accurate to say Eric is the one to beat, though he's not looking at it that way. He knows there are a few other drivers in the field capable of getting into the title chase, and certainly capable of winning a race or two.

 

"Another way to look at it is that we've had three different winners in four races," he says, "and that looks like a pretty competitive bunch to me. Besides, the fun part is going out every week to try to beat the field."

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T. Q. Jones P. O. Box 91346 Austin, TX 78709-1346

PH: (512) 261-5236 Email: tqj@mindspring.com

[tqj3]

Eric's being realistic about the season, and he's probably right to downplay his chances. This is racing, and anything can happen (and most things do). On the other hand, while Justin Oates was winning nine times in 16 races last season, Eric won twice but finished second five times. That sounds like someone who might have a six or seven win season. Anyway, it'll be fun to watch.