(Photo by Paul Arch)
Inside Line Promotions – KNOXVILLE, Iowa (Aug. 12, 2025) – Derek Hagar wrapped up a month-long opportunity to drive for David Challons with a strong week in Iowa.
Hagar tied for the most positions gained during the Front Row Challenge at Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa a week ago Monday before he posted a career-best Knoxville Nationals at Knoxville Raceway.
“It was a dream week for sure,” he said. “We didn’t win or anything, but we led a couple of laps on our Knoxville Nationals prelim. We salvaged a top 10, which I think is my best World of Outlaws feature finish. And we had enough points to lock into the B Main for Saturday. For being a new team based in Australia, one that we don’t run with, it was a great week. We learned every time we hit the race track.”
Following an up-and-down four weeks with a variety of results, Hagar and the team put together three strong nights last week. It began on Aug. 4 at Southern Iowa Speedway, where he charged from 20th to ninth during the main event.
“We were good, but I was still looking for some more drive,” he said. “We ended up doing what we normally do on my stuff and I was able to charge the corner real hard, get my nose under some guys and get by them off the corners. I think that was a turning point for our week going into the Knoxville Nationals.”
Hagar opened his preliminary night of the 64th annual NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s last Thursday by qualifying 24th quickest. He then finished fourth in a heat race to lock into the main event.
“Going fourth to fourth in the heat race, I knew we were in the show, but I thought we’d be starting 14th or around there in the feature,” he said. “Doing eight for the invert of the heat races puts a lot of fast cars out of the show. Lucky enough, that put us on the pole. It was a surprise for the whole team. We were fortunate to start on the pole and lead some laps. It was an emotional deal being in the middle of the spotlight in front of all those fans and being at the front of the parade laps.
“I led two laps. To be honest, I knew I wanted to get a good start and stick the bottom. I wanted to lead at least a lap. That lets me know we had speed. I need to work on my momentum and how to carry it, what to do as the race progresses. Once we got around the top I felt pretty comfortable. By then those guys already know what to do and the guys who finished in front of me are guys who have been in contention to win the Knoxville Nationals on Saturday.”
Hagar held on for a ninth-place result, which marked his best Knoxville Nationals preliminary night outing. It also compiled enough overall points for him to be locked into the B Main for Saturday’s finale.
“That was huge not having to run on Friday during the Hard Knox Night,” he said. “I felt like we were decent on Saturday. The track didn’t go as slick as I thought it’d be with it being warm and somewhat sunny outside. I felt we made some good laps. We passed some good cars, got passed by some good cars and raced with some good cars. It’s nothing to hang our head about. I was really pleased with how it worked out. I walked away with more confidence than ever at Knoxville and I can’t wait to go back.
“We really didn’t know what we were getting into with that car. It’s good stuff, but not knowing the program we needed to learn quickly. It was great to end on a high note. The car owner was very happy with the results. Thanks to David for the opportunity.”
Hagar plans to return to the A.G. Rains owned No. 3 sprint car this Friday and Saturday at Clayhill Motorsports Park in Atwood, Tenn., with the USCS Series.
QUICK RESULTS –
Aug. 4 – Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa – Qualifying: 19; Heat race: 8 (7); Feature: 9 (20).
Aug. 7 – Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa – Qualifying: 24; Heat race: 4 (4); Feature: 9 (1).
Aug. 9 – Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa – B Main: 13 (10).
SEASON STATS –
26 races, 4 wins, 9 top fives, 14 top 10s, 14 top 15s, 15 top 20s
UP NEXT –
Friday and Saturday at Clayhill Motorsports Park in Atwood, Tenn., with the USCS Series
MEDIA LINKS –
Website: http://www.DerekHagarRacing.com
X: http://www.twitter.com/dhrracing
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Hagar would like to thank Nutrien Ag Solutions, Sonic of Dyersburg, Keith Jones Promotions, Boat Warehouse, West Tennessee Expediting, Inc., AmeriPanel, J&J Auto Racing, B & D Towing and Recovery, FK Rod Ends, Dynotech Performance Race Engines, A.M.P., Fragola Performance Systems, Administrative Consulting Services, Killer Coatings, Beazt Composites, Xtreme Race Graphics, Southern Collision Centre, AR Dyno Specialty, Jeff’s Heating and Cooling, ButlerBuilt Professional Seat Systems, Weld Wheels, DHR Suspension, Hinchman Racewear, Wix Filters, Valvoline, Ti64, High Performance Lubricants, CP-Carillo and Builtwiser Wings for their continued support.
INSIDE LINE PROMOTIONS –
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- Shawn Miller on Aug 12, 2025
- Article Date: 8/12/2025 by Inside Line Promotions