Memphis, TN--The best sprint car drivers from around the world are headed to Knoxville, Iowa for the Kele World Challenge. Veteran competitors Ricky Logan, Kerry Madsen, Daryn Pittman, Joey Saldana and Brooke Tatnell are looking to win the 16 lap event for the first time.
BROOKE TATNELL
Australian, Brooke Tatnell believes he is overdue for a win in the Kele World Challenge and he believes this is his year.
“Going into the Nationals this year, we are in better form than we have been other years,” said the Sans Souci, New South Wales, Australia native. “In 1999 we were great. I think we had the best shot at the Knoxville Nationals and the World Challenge but we fell short and finished second. I believe that this could be our year to win the Kele World Challenge. We are past overdue for it.”
Tatnell says the Ford Dealers of Iowa Knoxville Nationals presented by Visit Australia and the Kele World Challenge are the two biggest races of the year for his team.
“Knoxville is history,” says Tatnell. “There is a prestige about Knoxville. I thought we had the biggest race in the world was in Australia. The biggest race is in Knoxville. The Nationals and the Kele World Challenge are something that I mark on my calendar. If you win the Nationals then you have earned your place in history in sprint car racing.”
Brooke Tatnell says the pressure at Knoxville takes its toll on drivers.
“It is always a stressful week. After Knoxville you need a break to relax from the tension.”
Tatnell says one of the highlights of race week at the Nationals is the free Kele World Challenge picnic because it helps relieve the stress of race week.
“The picnic is great because it gives the race fans a great opportunity to meet the drivers on a lot less stressful spectrum. The drivers get to joke around with each other. It helps you take your mind off of the busy week to come.”
Tatnell also likes the time spent one on one with the fans.
“It is a great honor to be appreciated by the race fans who take the extra time to come to the picnic. I believe it is something that really the sport needs more of.”
Tatnell and the other 14 drivers will be at the free picnic from 1-3pm on Tuesday August 12th in the barn outside of turn four at the raceway.
Tatnell also likes the attention that the Kele World Challenge brings with the pageantry and pyro.
“The race gives international drivers from Australia, New Zealand and Canada an opportunity to showcase what they can do to a broader spectrum of people,” said Tatnell. “No matter what you do at the Nationals, you are overshadowed by the Steve Kinsers and the Sammy Swindells. You ask people what the biggest thing that people remember about the Nationals a few years ago and people say, “That is the first time I have seen a fireworks display like that or the cars pulled out on the track like that on the race track.” The showmanship makes the difference. That is what makes the Kele World Challenge special to me.”
Brooke Tatnell is in his 8th year of running the Kele World Challenge. In 2002 Brooke finished 3rd, 8th in 2001, 2nd in 1999, 5th in 1998, 2nd in 1997, 2nd in points 1995 and 2nd in points 1994. Tatnell is 5th in all time winnings in the KWC.
He finished 6th in the 2002/2003 Australian National Sprintcar Poll. He also won the 1995 and 1999 Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic. Brooke qualified for this years Kele World Challenge at the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic at Warrnambool’s Premier Speedway January 25-26, 2003. He makes his home in Sans Souci, New South Wales, Australia. Brooke drives the number 66 Eagle Gaerte motors sponsored by Phillips 66 Trop Artic, Gaerte Engines, Hooker Headers and Hoosier. Tatnell began racing at age 14 in pavement go-karts. He says his father, George Tatnell, inspired him to be the driver he is today.
“The biggest accomplishment is my career is the first time I won back to back championships with the World Series in Australia,” said Tatnell. “One because I was able to follow in my father’s footsteps and two, we became the only father and son to win a World Series Championship.”
DARYN PITTMAN
In only his second visit to Australia to race, Daryn Pittman walked away as the 2002/2003 World Series Sprintcars points Champion. Pittman also became the first American to be named 2002/2003 Australian National Sprint car Poll “Driver of the Year” in the ten-year history of the poll. He says the best thing about racing in Australia is the fans.
“The people in Australia are the best part about going down there to run,” says the Owasso, Oklahoma native. “The race tracks are a little smaller, but the atmosphere is great. It is a lot more laid back. It is good to get away and not have to be so serious about racing. I have some great car owners there and have made a lot of friends in a short time.”
Pittman and his crew will have a unique car for the Kele World Challenge reflecting his success in Australia.
“We will have a special car with a different paint scheme for the Nationals,” said Pittman. “The new paint job will carry the World Series Champion banner on the center of the top wing. We will try not to bring anything out too extravagant, but the new paint scheme will give the car a different look.”
The 2001 World of Outlaws Gumout Series Champion says that he may just be the man to knock off Donny Schatz and win the Kele Word Challenge.
“Someone has to dethrone Schatz. It’s a big race that I would like to add to my resume saying I have won. I don’t know if we will be the one to dethrone Schatz but we will try. Donny Schatz is awfully tough around Knoxville. I think we can do it.”
Daryn Pittman finished 12th in the Kele World Challenge in 2002. He qualified at the Grand Annual Sprint car Classic at Warrnambool’s Premier Speedway January 25-26, 2003. Pittman drives the number 21 J&J Mopar/Gaerte sponsored by Garete Engines, Hop & Sack Convenience Store, Tom’s Snacks and Mopar. Daryn Pittman began racing at age 5 in quarter midgets. He says his father is the person that inspired him the most because he pushed Daryn to be the best that he could and supported him through everything.
RICKY LOGAN
Ricky Logan believes that this is his year to win the Kele World Challenge. The Little Rock, Arkansas native is coming off an impressive winter racing season in New Zealand. Logan recorded a feature win at Springs Speedway in New Zealand during the 2003 International series. He says running in New Zealand is a unique experience.
“New Zealand is the most beautiful place that I have ever been,” said Logan. “I made a lot of new friends down there. The fans and sponsors make the whole trip worthwhile.”
Ricky Logan also was part of a three-car team that won the USA vs. New Zealand test series in 2002.
He believes that racing the weekly show may also give him an edge.
“We run weekly shows in part to prepare for the Kele World Challenge and the Knoxville Nationals,” said Logan. “I would think that it would give us an advantage. The Kele World Challenge and the Knoxville Nationals are two of those races that you think about and prepare for all year long.”
Running Knoxville every week has paid off for Logan. Last season he won inaugural “Mr. Sprint Car” title during the 2002 Knoxville Nationals. At last years Nationals, Logan said he used the Kele World Challenge at a test race for Saturday night. This year, his approach is different.
“We are going to be focused on the race its self and not focus on it as a test session for the Nationals,” said Logan. “I am not going into the Kele World Challenge to run second. I am going in to win!”
Logan’s team has made some changes to his team and crew. He will also have a special car for the Nationals.
“We want to be upfront for the Kele World Challenge and the Knoxville Nationals,” stated Logan. “We are real excited about the team that we have assembled. Hopefully by the Kele World Challenge, we will be at the top of our game.”
Ricky Logan finished 11th in the 2002 Kele World Challenge. He finished 7th in the Thursday “A” of the 2002 Knoxville Nationals and qualified for the “A” Main for the 2002 Knoxville Nationals. He qualified for the Kele World Challenge at the International Sprint Car Series in Western Springs, New Zealand. Logan makes his home in Little Rock, Arkansas. He drives the number 17g with a J&J chassis. Logan is sponsored by Minute Man Printing and Copy, Lucus Oil, R&C Auto and Body and Smiley’s Racing Products. Ricky began racing at age 9 in two cycle go-karts.
KERRY MADSEN
Kerry Madsen has entered the Kele World Challenge four times and each year has come up short. This year he plans to change that. Madsen is on a roll, having won the Australian Sprint Car Championship earlier this year.
“The whole team geared up to win that race,” said Madsen. “We had a new set of heads that were flown in from the States and the team put in extra hours in preparation. We didn’t do anything wrong or make any mistakes.”
The Sydney, Australia native says, it was the biggest win of his career.
“It was an unbelievable feeling for me to win the race,” smiled Madsen. “Americans may not realize how big that race is but to Australians, it is one of the biggest races of the year. I would rank winning the Kele World Challenge second only to winning the Australian Sprint Car Championship.”
This year, Madsen plans to take that momentum and win the Kele World Challenge.
“To be honest, I have struggled at the race the last couple of years,” said Madsen. “Now, we plan to change that. Donny Schatz wants to make it a three-peat. I hope I am the man to stop him. The key to winning will be getting the right breaks in the traffic.”
Kerry Madsen has spent the summer in the States running the weekly events at Knoxville Raceway in preparation for the Kele World Challenge and the Nationals.
“I think we have a pretty good combination going into the race,” said Madsen. “Our motors are running pretty good and I am confident that we have the speed to win it. I just hope we can get a few brakes to go our way.”
Kerry Madsen finished 9th in 2002 Kele World Challenge, 10th in 2001, 6th in 2000 and 8th in 1999. He won two features and finished 5th in the Knoxville track championship in 2002. Madsen qualified at the Grand Annual Sprint car Classic at Warrnambool’s Premier Speedway January 25-26, 2003. He drives the number 82, Moyle engine with a Twister chassis. Kerry began racing at age 20 in a sprint car.
JOEY SALDANA
Joey Saldana had quite a season running in Australia over the Winter. The 1996 Kele World Challenge Rookie of the Year won Parramatta City Raceway Parts Plus $50,000 and the 2003 Grand Annual Sprint car Classic. The “Brownsburg Bullet” also tied Daryn Pittman in first place votes in the 2002/2003 Australian National Sprint car Poll. Pittman received more overall points to take the top spot. Saldana was honored with the Australian National Sprintcar Poll “Wild Card Award.” He also tied Australian Legend Gary Rush with six wins in a row at Paramatta.
“That biggest thing we did over there this year,” smiles Saldana. “Gary Rush had six wins in a row at Paramatta and we tied him for that! Gary Rush is like our Steve Kinser. He has won everything there is to win. I wanted to go over there and be competitive with every one, but to be as good as we were, I was pretty happy.”
Saldana is pleased about his success over the winter but says one of his most difficult races will be at Knoxville.
“Knoxville is one of the toughest tracks to race at,” said Saldana. “It is a big, flat ½ mile. You have to be tough mentally as well as have a great car to win.”
“Donny Schatz is pretty tough at Knoxville. I don’t know who will knock him off. At Parramatta for the $50,000, he won there two years in a row. We got him this year. If everything is going right, hopefully, we can do it again at the Kele World Challenge.”
Joey Saldana says he enjoys racing in Australia because the promoters go the extra mile for the fans.
“Australia does more for their fans. When you go to Australia, they make every sprint car race an event. It is great to see the traditions from Australia in Knoxville at the Kele World Challenge.”
Saldana also enjoys the television coverage in Australia.
“At Paramatta, six races are on television on Tuesday night. That really helps when you look for sponsorship.”
Joey Saldana finished 3rd in 1999 and 3rd in 1996 in the Kele World Challenge. He finished 3rd in the 2001 Knoxville Nationals. Joey qualified at the Grand Annual Sprint car Classic at Warrnambool’s Premier Speedway January 25-26, 2003. He makes his home in Brownsburg, Indiana. Saldana drives the number 17 Maxim chassis/Fisher engines sponsored by Eagle Raceway, Hemsaw, Brodix, Weld Racing and Balderson Dodge. Joey began racing at age 16 in sprintcars. He says his father, Lee Osborne and Donnie Ray Everett are the people that inspired him the most.
KELE WORLD CHALLENGE PICNIC
Fans will have an opportunity to meet their favorite drivers Tuesday August 12th at 1-3pm at the Kele World Challenge Picnic located outside turn 4 at Knoxville Raceway. The picnic is a free event and is open to the public. The annual event is a great way for drivers and fans to come together and get a break from the stress of race week. You might even catch a glimpse of the King of Rock and Roll. The free event is sponsored by Knoxville Raceway.
KELE WORLD CHALLENGE ON TV
Portions of the Kele World Challenge are scheduled air during the live television broadcast of the 43rd Annual Ford Dealers of Iowa Knoxville Nationals presented by Visit Australia. The Knoxville Nationals will be televised live on Speed Channel beginning at 10pm Eastern time.
WHAT IS THE KELE WORLD CHALLENGE?
The Kele World Challenge is a joint effort between Knoxville Raceway, the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum in Knoxville, Iowa and the Kele Companies of Memphis, TN
Kele World Challenge qualifying races were held at the Gold Cup Race of Champions in Chico, California, the Williams Grove National Open in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, the Grand Annual Sprint Car Classic in Warrnambool, Victoria (Australia), the International Sprint Car Series in Western Springs, a suburb of Auckland (New Zealand) and at the special Canadian only Qualifier held at Knoxville Raceway this past Spring.
Drivers line up in inverted order according to Knoxville Nationals qualifying points. Competitors then have only sixteen laps to attempt to claim the $10,000 first place prize.
WHO IS KELE?
Kele (pronounced like “kelly” green) has been the primary sponsor of the Kele World Challenge for eight years. The Kele Companies supply interface products to the commercial HVAC and building automation industries. Their ambition is to establish lifelong customers that think of the Kele Companies first for everything input/output. For the last twenty years, they have contributed to improving energy efficiency and maximizing comfort and control for indoor environments via the products, services and solutions they offer.
TRADITIONS OF THE KELE WORLD CHALLENGE
There are many traditions that accompany the Kele World Challenge. Most of the ideas for the traditions come from the various countries that the participants are from.
The national anthems of the various participating countries are sung before racing every night during the Knoxville Nationals. It is the raceway’s way of thanking the fans and participants for traveling to the Sprint Car Capital of the World.
The idea for ropes that are used to pull out the participants of the Kele World Challenge comes from Warrnambool, Victoria (Australia). At the Grand Annual Sprint Car Classic in Warrnambool, the ropes are used to pull cars across the track to prepare them to be pushed off. In Knoxville, ropes are used to pull the sprint cars around the track during a parade lap to allow fans to get a better look at the cars and their drivers. It is also the Kele World Challenge’s way and our driver’s way of saluting the fans while stealing a page from Warrnambool's tradition.
The tradition of having the participant’s flags on the cars during the parade lap began last year. The idea came from CART, IRL and the Olympics. The flags help recognize the drivers and their homelands.
The idea for the use of fireworks during the presentation came from Paramatta City Raceway in Sydney, NSW where bright white fireworks were set off on the front and backstretches of the track to celebrate the end of the race.
Music from the movie 2001 A Space Oddesy was added to the Kele World Challenge for the opening parade lap. The music suggests a global theme of nation against nation racing for the glory and winnings at the Sprint Car Capital of the World.
PS: It worked for Elvis and the organizers are from Memphis.
