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While the nightly action on the track at the Knoxville Raceway is certainly the main attraction of the 50th Annual Knoxville Nationals, it is by no means the only thing going on. The man that is the voice of that nightly action is track announcer Tony Bokhoven of Pella, and he says the area around the track is a flurry of action at all hours of the day.

“There’s people outside, there’s a lot of things going on – vendors, dirt track racing simulators – there’s a big area with a bunch of cars in it that kids and adults can get in and compete on tracks like Knoxville – and the Kiwanis has an event going on,” says Bokhoven. “There’s so many things going on; with all these people, you’ve got to keep them busy, so that’s what they’re doing.”

Bokhoven says many of the activities are perennial components of the big event, but says there are some new additions as well this year for the golden anniversary of the Nationals.

“On top of that, with this being the 50th Annual Knoxville Nationals, the Knoxville Chamber has a lot of events going on and just special attractions to keep people entertained and commemorate this special event,” adds Bokhoven. “There are a lot of things going on, it starts early in the morning and goes until late at night.”

Fans of sprint car racing can hear Bokhoven announcing nearly every race at the Knoxville Raceway throughout the season, and can also see him on television in a few weeks as part of the work he does for the SPEED channel during the Knoxville Nationals.