(Photo by Paul Arch)
Inside Line Promotions – KNOXVILLE, Iowa (Aug. 12, 2025) – Kaleb Johnson is eager to put the 64th annual NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s behind him following a rough week at Knoxville Raceway.
Johnson and Team DGRD ended both a preliminary night last Wednesday as well as the Hard Knox Night on Friday on the hook.
The marquee event began on Wednesday with Johnson going out late for time trials among the more than 50 drivers. He qualified 32nd quickest and won a heat race after lining up on the outside of the front row. That locked him into the 15th starting position for the A Main.
“I didn’t get the pill draw we wanted and our qualifying wasn’t the greatest, but we had speed,” he said. “I got a horrible start in the feature and lost three or four spots. I felt I was passing cars. I was racing with another driver and he was on the bottom. He moved to the top at the last second. I didn’t cheat the cushion enough, got over it and into the wall, and ended upside down.”
The team returned to the half-mile oval on Friday and showcased speed. Johnson was seventh quickest in his group during time trials before he battled for the lead early in a heat race.
“I challenged Donny (Schatz) for the lead on the bottom and he did the right thing and took my lane,” he said. “I think on Lap 3 I went into turn one expecting to hit the cushion. The next thing I knew I heard the motor rev and was backward into the cushion. I closed my eyes and hung on. The rear axle snapped and I went for a ride.”
The violent crash ended the night and the weekend early for Johnson, who is healing from an ankle injury sustained during the wreck.
“It was tough, but there’s always positives to take away,” he said. “I felt we had good speed on Friday leading into a parts failure nobody could do anything about. I’m looking forward to putting that week into the rearview mirror.”
Johnson plans to return to action this Sunday at Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, S.D., where he is the leading the championship standings by 27 points.
QUICK RESULTS –
Aug. 6 – Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa – Qualifying: 32; Heat race: 1 (2); Feature: 24 (15).
Aug. 8 – Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa – Qualifying: 7; Heat race: DNF (2); C Main: DNF (13).
SEASON STATS –
40 races, 3 wins, 13 top fives, 20 top 10s, 22 top 15s, 26 top 20s
UP NEXT –
Sunday at Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, S.D.
MEDIA LINKS –
Website: http://www.kalebjohnsonracing.com/
X: https://twitter.com/Kaleb___Johnson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KalebJohnsonRacing22
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT – Folkens Brothers Trucking
Folkens Brothers Trucking is a livestock hauling service with headquarters in Lester, Iowa. The company has been running since 1979. For more information, visit http://www.FolkensBros.com.
“I feel very honored to have the support of Folkens Brothers Trucking,” Johnson said. “To look at a list of the drivers they’ve supported over the years, it’s an honor to be aligned with them. We’re very appreciative and looking forward to earning success together.”
Johnson would like to thank Hefty Seed Company, Oddson Underground, Inc., Blondie Motorsports, Innovative Design/Sletten Properties, Construction Products & Consultants, GRP Motorsports, Folkens Brothers Trucking, DKW Transport, Merle Johnson Farm Toys, Epoxy Co., State Bank of Fairmont, Specialized Caulking Sealants, AB Custom Construction, the Ron Weber Team, Mike Brudigan Home Loans, Heartland Properties, Clarks Custom Coatings, New Era Plumbing, ICE Contractors, Speedquip Motorsports, Norwalk Small Engine Repair, Janssen Fabrication, MPD, Ti22, Smith Ti, Hellraizer Jacks, DMI, 8740 Suspension, Maxim, HRP Wings, Hepfner Racing Products, Keizer Wheels, Hoosier Racing Tire, Howe Motorsports, FID Media and Stanton Racing Engines for their continued support.
INSIDE LINE PROMOTIONS –
Inside Line Promotions specializes in affordable public relations and media management for motor sports drivers, teams, sponsors, tracks, series, events, organizations and manufacturers. ILP Founder Shawn Miller leverages professional journalism with new media technologies and social networking to improve your exposure and the return on investment for your sponsors.
To meet the media relations needs of your program by joining Team ILP, contact Shawn at 541-510-3663 or Shawn@InsideLinePromotions.com. For more information on Inside Line Promotions, visit http://www.InsideLinePromotions.com.
- Shawn Miller on Aug 12, 2025
- Article Date: 8/12/2025 by Inside Line Promotions