Guide to Surviving Knoxville Nationals for First Time

Welcome to the Knoxville Nationals: The Granddaddy of Them All

If you’re new to the world of dirt track racing, there’s one name you need to know right away: The Knoxville Nationals.

Held every August in Knoxville, Iowa, this legendary event is often referred to as the “Granddaddy of Them All”—and for good reason. It’s the biggest sprint car race in the world, drawing fans, drivers, and teams from all across the country (and beyond – Austraila, New Zealand, Canada, etc.) to the Sprint Car Capital of the World.

So, What Is the Knoxville Nationals?

The Knoxville Nationals is a four-day racing spectacle hosted at Knoxville Raceway, a half-mile dirt oval track that transforms into the heart of sprint car racing each summer. It’s the Super Bowl, World Series, and Daytona 500 of 410 sprint car racing all wrapped into one thrilling week.

Drivers compete not just for the prestige, but for a huge payout—and the chance to add their name to the history books. With over 60 years of tradition, this isn’t just a race. It’s a rite of passage for fans and racers alike.

Why Knoxville?

Knoxville, Iowa might be a small town, but when August hits, it becomes the center of the sprint car universe. The local fairgrounds house one of the most iconic dirt tracks in the world, with facilities that have been home to legends for decades. The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum is also located right next to the track—perfect for getting a crash course in racing history.

What Makes It Special?

Even if you’ve never been to a sprint car race before, the Knoxville Nationals is a perfect place to start. Here’s why:

• • Unmatched Energy: From the roar of the engines to the chants of fans in the stands, the energy is electric.

• • World-Class Competition: The best drivers compete here—names that dominate dirt tracks across the nation year after year.

• • A Festival Atmosphere: With concerts, parties, autograph sessions, and more, the Nationals are as much about the experience as the race.

• • Family Friendly: The community makes it welcoming for newcomers, with something for every age and interest.

Tips for First-Timers:

• • Plan Ahead: Tickets, camping spots, and local hotels sell out fast.

• • Bring Ear Protection: These cars are LOUD—but in the best way.

• • Explore the Town: Knoxville offers plenty of small-town charm, local shopping, great food, and friendly faces.

• • Social Media: Be sure to follow the Knoxville Raceway, World of Outlaws, National Sprint Car Hall of Fame on social media, and turn those notifications on!  You won’t want to miss anything going on and will feel like you have insider knowledge to all the action on and off the track, with schedule announcements, photos and more!

• • Plan to Stay Late: The action doesn’t end when the checkered flag waves—victory lane and the after-parties are part of the Knoxville experience and magic. From the annual Knoxville Chicken Feed Thursday night under the turn 4 bleachers(for free to the public) to celebrating at Dingus, you’re going to have some late nights – but it’s totally worth it!

The Essentials – What You Really Need to Bring:

Best Food & Drink:

• • Marion County Cattleman: Iowa Cattleman Association is an organization of 9,500 Iowa beef-producing families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa’s beef industry. Located right outside of Dingus under the white tent, is my go-to for corn on the cob dipped to perfection in butter and a ribeye sandwich! Trust me, you’ll be disappointed if you don’t stop here at least once through your week!  It’s a favorite lunch spot for me!
  • Checkered Flag Concessions(CFC), Knoxville Raceway: You’ll want to stay hydrated at the track, but enjoy a Midwest favorite food during the race night, the Tenderlion.

• • Dingus , Knoxville, Iowa: If you like the after-parties and party scene, this is the place for you! Nationally known, locally-owned, you will enjoy every part of what the Knoxville Nationals has in store with just a short walk across the street from Knoxville Raceway. 

• • Mrs. D’s, Knoxville, Iowa: The perfect breakfast spot in Knoxville, Iowa. It’s a great place to enjoy the A/C and to catch up on your week with friends, while enjoying a good home cooked meal. It does get busy, so plan ahead!

• • Rib Shack, Knoxville, Iowa: The Rib Shack is the perfect place to hang out, grab a filling lunch or dinner, before walking over to the Hall of Fame or racetrack. My personal favorite is the mac n’ cheese! This is a hot spot for a quick, grab n’ go lunch and you never know what teams or drivers may be there! 

• • El Ray Azecta Mexican Restaurant, Knoxville, Iowa: Located on the Knoxville town square, a great place for margaritas, chips and queso, and of course any of your Mexican favorites. It’s also a sprint car team favorite! You never know who you may see.  Be sure to check out the walls, they’re filled with racing memorabilia from all across the country. 
  • Corgilano’s Pizza, Knoxville, Iowa: Located right down the street from Dingus and Knoxville Raceway – Grab a slice while you’re waiting for your buddies to wake up, or catch up with friends who you’ve not seen in years.  I hear it’s a local gem, that is highly underrated!

• • Casey’s General Store, Knoxville, Iowa & mostly every street corner in Iowa: Sign up for the rewards if you’re from out of town! They always have great options on savings! Grab a breakfast slice of pizza – You’ll thank me later! It’s become one of my favorites since moving to Iowa.
  • Atlantic & Pacific Pub, Knoxville, Iowa – A upscale bar located on the Knoxville town square. Cute and unique atmosphere if you want to avoid Dingus crowd, but still grab a drink with friends.
  • Jaarsma Bakery, Pella, Iowa – Grab yourself a signature Dutch Letter, while you sit in the quiet town square decorated and modeled after the Netherlands. Also Pella, Iowa is the home of the annual Tulip Time Festival in May. 

Places to Stay:

Whether you’re staying local or staying further out, be sure to do your research! If you plan to drink, I’d recommend trying to stay local to the track or have a responsible member in your party. 

Small towns that I recommend: Pella, Newton(home of Iowa Speedway – NASCAR), Indianola, Altoona, Oskaloosa, and Des Moines are all great towns to stay if you can’t find a hotel in Knoxville. Most of the Knoxville hotels are sold out year after year, months in advance.

***Special Reminder – If you are booking in Newton, Iowa – Rt. 14’s mile long bridge is out for construction this year, so there is a detour around Pella, Iowa. This detour may add 15-20 minutes (45-1hr trip now) to your drive to Knoxville, but Pella is a beautiful area, if you want to explore!

Attractions:

If you’re looking for some “touristy” things to do, here’s a couple ideas.

• • Slideways: Just outside of Knoxville, at the edge of town, is your go-to for the ultimate go-karting experience and mini golf.

• • Lake Red Rock, Knoxville, Iowa – If you’re into nature and hiking, take a trip right to the edge of Knoxville on Rt. 14, and you’ll be able to walk around the trails at Lake Red Rock. Beautiful scenery and the perfect escape if you want some alone time. Drive down to the Red Rock Dam (a short drive southeast from Knoxville) for more hiking trails to go explore.

• • Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa – If you’re looking to go to a waterpark/amusement park, you can spend the day relaxing, before heading to Knoxville.  Take the kids for an adventure filled afternoon! They sometimes have group discounts and rates for tickets.

• • Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa – Bringing the family and small kiddos? Be sure to check out the wildlife downtown Des Moines.
  • Golfing – Bos Landen (Pella)  – Hit up the local golf course, to enjoy your vacation in the best way, while enjoying a few beverages too!
  • National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum – Always a must when you’re in Knoxville! There is so much history that fills the walls of the building, along with displays not seen anywhere else!  Also, be sure to check out the Observation deck (with a donation) from the Brian Clauson Suite Tower – The view of Knoxville Raceway will surely take your breath away!  The Hall of Fame has autograph sessions happening through Nationals week with drivers – Be sure to swing by!
  • Knoxville Nationals Parade – The main parade event in Knoxville, Iowa in 2025, which is part of the larger Knoxville Nationals sprint car racing event on Saturday, beginning at 11am, featuring racing-themed floats, drivers, marching bands, and community groups. (find more information: knoxvilleiachamber.com) 

Shopping:

I know you love adding to your sprint car t-shirt collection. Knoxville is the race fans favorite shopping spree! Just be sure to bring a large enough suit case to bring back all your goodies! I promise you’ll be overwhelmed by the amount of merch trailers located in the main street and side streets of Knoxville!

• • Various Vendors: Whether you want to support a low-buck team, or grab a National touring series’ favorite – Be sure to walk the sidewalks and check out the latest styles or  the sale rack! Teams from all across the country, as various other countries have merch in town. Merch trailers and unique vendors are set up all around the main street by the track! 

• • National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum – Always check out the history within the building, you never know what unique piece will show up there! They also have a gift shop with some interesting merchandise for sale!
  • Raiment EID – Check out one of the cutest boutiques in Knoxville, right on the square for some unique pieces. Locally owned and race fan friendly!  They’ve got you ladies covered!

Other Events & Happenings:

• Knoxville Queens Court Contest – Aug.  5th, 2025 – (Deadline to enter is July 1st, 2025) This is open to fans, held in the Dryer Hall building where the next Knoxville Queen and her court will be selected. They will help with the festivities all week long! If you are 18-29 year old female race fan or member of the motorsports community, showcase your passion in the Queens Contest! I highly recommend! There is a luncheon of just the contestants and celebrity judges (members of the industry/community), along with an interview process, and then an evening dress/formal round (open to the public) where each contestant will be asked a question by the celebrity judges. There are monetary prizes and prize packs(including various merchandise from drivers and teams, and other donors) that each woman who competes takes home! There is long standing tradition (40+ years) of women who have gone on to do remarkable things in the industry after holding this title. I also have competed in this contest (in 2023) so I am knowledgable about the process, if you have any questions!  
• Iowa State Fair – Aug. 7th-Aug. 17th, 2025 – I highly recommend checking out one of the largest state fairs during a “free” day! People from all over the country travel to Des Moines, Iowa just for the Iowa State Fair year after year. The Iowa State Fairgrounds encompasses approximately 445 acres. 
• NASCAR / Iowa Corn 350 – Aug. 3rd, 2025 – Not sure you want to attend the Capitani Classic? You could always check out Newton, Iowa for the NASCAR race, just a 40 minute drive outside of Knoxville!
• 360 Knoxville Nationals – July 31st-Aug. 2nd, 2025 –  Also held at Knoxville Raceway, just the week prior to the 410 Knoxville Nationals with a star-studded racing field as well, featuring Kyle Larson, Rico Abreu, Tyler Courtney, etc.
• Capitani Classic – Aug. 3rd, 2025 – Knoxville Raceway – Named in honor of longtime Knoxville Raceway promoter Ralph Capitani, this prestigious event draws top talent from across the country looking to dial in their setups and make a statement before the big one!
• Osky Front Row Challenge – Aug. 4th, 2025 – Southern Iowa Speedway – Promoted by sprint car legend Terry McCarl, with an interesting twist; a front stretch foot race to line up the starting 8 spots of the feature.  
• Pella, Iowa – If you’re looking for a Midwest gem packed with small-town charm and European flair, Pella, Iowa is your next must-visit destination. Known for its Dutch heritage, windmills, historic architecture, and the famous Tulip Time Festival(in May), Pella feels like a passport-free trip to the Netherlands. Stroll through quaint shops, indulge in Dutch letters from Jaarsma Bakery, and take in the beauty of the Molengracht Canal. Pella offers a unique blend of history, culture, and irresistible pastries.

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Whether you’re a longtime motorsports fan or just sprinting into the scene, the Knoxville Nationals is an unforgettable experience. You’ll leave with a new love for the dirt, the speed, and the spirit of sprint car racing.

Now, are you even more excited? See you in Knoxville!