Donny Schatz drove to victory in the 49th annual Knoxville Nationals, taking the lead from Joey Saldana on lap 35 to win the world's biggest sprint car race for the fourth consecutive year.

"We worked so hard all year for this," Schatz said after the race. "To be able to do it, once, twice, three times is awesome, but you're only as good as your last race and that is tonight."

Schatz's car owner, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart flew to Knoxville after racing in Michigan earlier in the day and was on hand to celebrate in victory lane at the famed Knoxville Raceway Sunday night.

Stevie Smith started from the pole and was overtaken by Joey Saldana entering the first turn on lap one. Saldana held off challenges by polesitter Smith for the lead with the two pulling away from the field until a caution was waved on lap eight for Jason Meyers blown tire. Saldana maintained the lead until Schatz began a challenge for the top position with 10 laps remaining. Schatz passed Saldana and drove away to collect the $75,000 winners check.

Joey Saldana finished second, Stevie Smith third, Tim Kaeding fourth and Shane Stewart fifth.

Kraig Kinser, Tim Shaffer, Blaney, Craig Dollansky and Jac Haudenschild completed the top 10.

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