The first night of qualifying for the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s is in the books, and, as usual, there are some happy drivers, some nervous drivers, and some outright mad ones. Here’s a rundown of the notables.

The Happy

Ryan Timms is likely the happiest guy in Iowa. He qualified 3rd, ran 4th in his heat, and was able to power around Justin Peck and win the A main. All of this earned him $4,000 and a pile of points to make the rest of his week easier. Of a maximum 500 points available last night, Timms ended the night with 487, all but guaranteeing his spot in Saturday’s big show, where he could win another $195,000. That’s pretty happy.

Sheldon Haudenschild also had a solid night with 469 points. He didn’t qualify great, but thanks to the inversion, he was able to finish 2nd in his heat, and he parlayed that into a 3rd place finish in the A main. He should be in good shape for Saturday, but anything is possible.

Corey Day, Rico Abreau & Emerson Axom have 468, 468, and 467 points, respectively. These guys should be good, but I wouldn’t call them 100% safe either. They, as well as anyone below them in points, will be paying close attention to tonight’s action.

Gravel flips, misses A main

David Gravel was fast out of the gate; he was quickest in hot laps and 4th in qualifying, but that’s about where his fortunes ended. After the invert, he found himself starting 8th in the 4th heat race. Going into turn one on the high side, contact was made with Hunter Schuerenberg, which sent Gravel into the outside fence and tumbling. Thankfully, Gravel was okay, but his machine was seriously damaged. The team was able to fix the car and get him back on track for the C main, which he won. Unfortunately, he finished 8th in the B main and failed to transfer into the A main. The rough night leaves the #2 Big Game Motorsports team with 403 points, which means, for the second straight year, he will need to qualify the hard way during Hard Knock Night on Friday.

Looking Ahead

Tonight’s half of qualifying action features more big names, including Kyle Larson. After tonight, we’ll know who’s in the hot seat for Hard Knock Friday to try and earn their way into Saturday’s 64th running of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s. As always, you can follow all of the action on DirtVision.

Image Credit: World of Outlaws/Trent Gower Photography