#25k - Steve Knepper (Belleville, IL)

20th Chili Bowl Appearance

Chili Bowl Main Event Starts: 9

Chili Bowl Main Event Finishes:  17th (1987), 17th (1988) 12th (1990), 11th (1993), 13th (1995), 6th (1996), 4th (1999), 11th (2001), 16th (2002) 

Last Chili Bowl Appearance: 10th in C Main (2005)

After competing in the initial 19 editions of the Chili Bowl Nationals, the veteran shoe returns to Tulsa become one of just three drivers to reach the 20-years-competed-in mark along with Donnie Lehmann and Sammy Swindell.  

With fifth and sixth-place runs at Illinois' Little Belleville in three 2009 starts, Steve has posted at least 100 feature wins in a Midget racing career that dates back to 1981.

Car Owner:  Walter Knepper

Chassis:  Spike

Engine:  Esslinger

Sponsors:  T.B.C. Brick Contracting, K&K Garage, Hoosier Tire Midwest