USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship, Knoxville Raceway, Knoxville, Iowa, May 31, 2025
The latest USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship event at Knoxville Raceway delivered high drama and a hard lesson for Poughkeepsie’s own Chris Dyson Racing. After celebrating a big win just days earlier, the Hudson Valley-based team faced heartbreak in Saturday’s Avanti Windows & Doors Corn Belt Clash.
Race Recap
Brady Bacon, behind the wheel for Chris Dyson Racing, started strong. Qualifying 3rd, Bacon looked ready to back up last week’s victory and keep Poughkeepsie in the national spotlight. Unfortunately, the luck that brought a win last time vanished early.
On lap three, while running in the top ranks, Bacon tangled with fellow front-runner C.J. Leary. The collision sent both cars into heavy crashes and ended their night far too soon. Both drivers were able to walk away, thanks to modern safety gear and strong builds, but Bacon was officially scored 22nd.
While Bacon and Leary sat out, Kevin Thomas Jr. took charge. Thomas held off challenges in a slick, action-packed 30-lap feature. He crossed the line first, collecting his first series win of the season and a $15,000 payday.
Top Finishers
- Kevin Thomas Jr.
- Ryan Bernal
- Kyle Cummins
- Justin Grant
- Gunnar Setser
Hudson Valley Pride
Chris Dyson Racing remains the pride of Poughkeepsie and the Hudson Valley, showing true spirit even when the results fall short. Racing is unpredictable—sometimes you’re in victory lane, sometimes you’re picking up the pieces. The team will regroup and focus on the next race, ready to fight again.
AMSOIL synthetic lubricants continue to power and protect each lap, no matter what the track brings. As always, we’re proud to support local motorsports success on a national stage.
Want to know more about engine protection or interested in AMSOIL’s proven race oils? Contact us today. Let’s keep Hudson Valley engines running strong—on the track and on the road.