Knill Successful in a Familiar Setting

Van Knill got his Ford Taurus back Saturday night and resumed his winning ways with a wire-to-wire victory in a super late model race at Irwindale Speedway.

Knill started second in the 24-car field, passed pole-sitter Dan Moore on the opening lap of the 50-lap race on the half-mile track and led for the remainder of the race, becoming the division’s first three-time winner this season. Moore finished second, 0.926 of a second behind.

Knill finished sixth in the last race June 24, driving Todd Southwell’s backup car after starting 21st in the 22-car field. Knill was unable to use his Taurus after it struck the wall because of a mechanical problem during the six-lap trophy dash.

Driving his usual car again “was a night-and-day difference” from driving Southwell’s car, Knill said. “The nicest part was to get in my car seat, a seat that fit me,” said Knill, who extended his lead over Moore in the standings from one to three points.

In the super truck race, pole-sitter Ron Peterson extended his track record to 11 consecutive victories, finishing 0.638 of a second ahead of runner-up Matthew Hicks. Peterson took the lead for good on the 25th lap of the 40-lap race when leader Joe Herold dropped out after losing a coil wire.

Reigning division champion Steve Stewart won his first figure 8 race of the season.

-- Steven Herbert