Musco Front Row Challenge Lights Up Oskaloosa

2011 Champion of the Musco Lighting Front Row Challenge for the 3rd time in a row was Sammy Swindell

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The annual invasion of the winged warriors kicked off its’ first of two nights of high energy racing at the Southern Iowa Speedway.

All the biggest and brightest stars of the series found their way to the fast half-mile dirt track just a half hour East of the Knoxville Speedway for a dash for the cash, and a final shakedown before the Knoxville Nationals.

Among the approximately 5500 people to fill the grandstands and the infield, spectators could catch a glimpse of a couple of NASCAR’s premier drivers that also own their own sprint car team.

Kasey Kahne and Tony Stewart were seen roaming the pits and chatting with residents and racers alike.

When the racing action kicked off, they started with hot laps and then qualifying, where each driver had 2 circuits around the half mile track. Earning a new track record was Brad Sweet of Kasey Kahne Racing. Sweet put down the fastest lap of the night.

NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne could be found in the pit area signing autographs and working with his team during the Front Row Challenge

I found Kahne in his pit area working and joking with his crew as they prepared for the next round in the action. Kahne says that he likes the races here, and that’s a reason why he always comes out to the show.

“We just race, it’s our jobs, it’s what we do. We love racing, this is one of the big weekends of the year and it’s nice to be in Iowa,” is what Kahne says is the driving force for them doing this week after week.

Kahne, who is currently driving this year in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, will be moving to Hendrick Motorsports next year driving the number 5 car. “Finishing off this year, then next year going to Hendrick, it will be a little better over there, be a little more consistent,” Kahne said about his move to his new team next year. He thinks they will “be able to “put races together” once he arrives at his new home.

Thanks to Kasey for taking those few moments for me while the team worked to prepare for the next round of action. He truly is a class act in racing.

Drivers come from all points around the world to join the craziness that is the World of Outlaws show. Australia’s Jessica Moulden and Christa Brown are no exceptions.

When asked about Oskaloosa, Moulden said “It’s Great.” She went on say, “The weathers great here, it’s better than home.” For those not familiar, it is winter in Australia.

The racing action at the Front Row Challenge was fast and furious Monday night that ended up with Wayne Johnson in the fence just off turn 3

Moulden, who’s been racing now for 5 years, is taking a shot at racing here in the US like many others before her have. When asked about what drew her to racing, Moulden said, “Had no choice” as it is a family tradition.

Moulden says she’s in the middle of 9 nights in a row of racing action between the races at Oskaloosa’s Southern Iowa Speedway and the Nationals at the Knoxville Raceway.

Two time winner Sammy Swindell took the poll for the A main event and never looked back. 2 cautions broke up the racing action, with the 71R of Ryan Anderson blowing a tire on the front stretch. That set up an uncommon fuel stop before the field took the green flag once again.

Brad Sweet kept pace with Swindell, but was never able to overtake the 2 time winner of the event. Sammy Swindell cruised to his third consecutive Musco Lighting Front Row Challenge win in a row.

Tonight is the final night of action in the 2 night event. The Casey’s General Stores Ultimate Challenge presented by Don Long’s Searsboro Telephone Company will offer the winner $15,000.00. Come out, enjoy the races, and help support the event that is helping to put Oskaloosa on the map.

Visit http://www.oskychallenges.com/ for more information