Knoxville Nationals recaps from the past (1991-1992)

In the early 1990's, the sport of sprint car racing continued to grow and the Amoco Knoxville Nationals were a big part of that growth. Television coverage began at the Nationals and the event continued to attract more drivers each year.

In 1991, Steve Kinser wanted to make sure everyone in motorsports knew he was still "the King" even though he hadn't won the Nationals since 1988. Kinser took the opening night preliminary feature after early leader Sammy Swindell had ignition problems. Kinser scored 497 points and earned the pole position for the 31st version of the Nationals. Kenny Jacobs won Thursday's preliminary feature and earned a spot next to Kinser on the front row. Kinser beat Jacobs to the first corner on lap one and led all 30 laps to claim the $50,000 first prize. Jacobs made an attempt to pass "the King" on lap 19, but he was forced to settle for second. Mark Kinser finished third ahead of Swindell, who charged from a 14th, and Johnny Herrera.

You only needed one word to describe Steve Kinser's 1992 Amoco Knoxville Nationals. Perfect. He won his qualifying night "A" feature after setting fast-time and winning his heat to score a perfect 500. In Saturday's finale, Kinser took the lead at the start and never looked back as he won the race in record time, just over nine minutes. Andy Hillenburg chased Kinser early in the feature before being passed by Bobby Davis, Jr. and Danny Lasoski. Lasoski got by Davis and tried to chase down Kinser, but nothing was stopping Kinser on this night. Lasoski held on for second ahead of Davis, Hillenburg and Mark Kinser.