The beauty of racing shone brightly as Morgan Kemenah from Burgoon, OH, was presented the honor of being Queen for the 2014 Knoxville Nationals.

It was standing room only at Dyer-Hudson Hall in the Marion County Fairgrounds Tuesday for the 40th Annual Knoxville Nationals Queen Contest. Twelve lovely ladies from across the country participated in the event, with Kemenah coming away with the coveted crown.

“It’s amazing. I honestly didn’t ever think that it would happen,” said Kemenah following the ceremony. “I’m overjoyed. It doesn’t feel real right now.”

Mackenzie Roney of Herculaneum, MO, was first runner-up, while Knoxville’s own Delaney Woodruff received second runner-up honors. Kayla Timm was award Ms. Congeniality.

Cheyenne Boyd of Knoxville was among the runners-up as well. Kemenah and all the contestants will enjoy a variety of activities during the Knoxville Nationals, including participating in the annual parade on Saturday.