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Kyle Larson Ninth In Chico Pacific Sprint Fall Nationals
Chico, CA October 4, 5, 6, 2007. Facing the most formidable 360 sprint car competition yet in his first year of racing the powerful machines, 15 year old Kyle Larson more than held his own as he put together a steady performance over the course of the three day Pacific Sprint Fall Nationals at the Silver Dollar Speedway. With a strong effort in his preliminary night, Larson’s point total placed him ninth of the 91 cars that attempted to make it into Saturday’s feature lineup. There, Larson battled race long with many veterans of the sport, including the Kaedings brothers, Tim and Bud, the Allard brothers, Jonathan and Stephen, and many other top drivers before finishing ninth.
Utilizing the same format as last month’s World of Outlaws Gold Cup Race of Champions at the same track, Larson’s preliminary night saw 33 cars appear. Larson qualified sixth quick and started fifth in his heat race, where he became the only driver to win his heat from the third row. Larson drew the sixth and last starting spot in the first of two dashes, but advanced to fourth at the lap seven checkered, earning the seventh starting spot in the A-main. In a race that saw Shane Stewart lead all 30 laps Larson fought back issues that included a broken left rear shock and a throttle that partially stuck open at every entry into a turn. Despite the serious bicycling problem that was created, Larson held on to score a sixth place finish. “That was the most difficult race I have ever run,” a relieved Larson said at the conclusion. “I never thought I would be able to make 30 laps without turning the car over. I was very happy to see the checkered flag come out.”
As Saturday’s feature finally arrived Larson found his Dave and Debbie Vertullo ParkerStore/CRV Racing Products/Eagle Kistler gridded inside the fifth row. In the early going Larson first battled fellow fifth row starter Bud Kaeding, and then held 14th starting and eventual winner Tim Kaeding at bay for several laps before relinquishing the tenth spot. By lap 22 Larson had fallen back to 14th, but began to find the cushion around the top of the track to his liking, and started to claw his way back into the top ten. When Tim Kaeding passed leader Shane Stewart in turn three on the 40th and final lap, resulting in contact that sent Stewart over the crest of turn four, Larson advanced to his original starting position of ninth at the checkered flag.
“I really enjoy these big events,” stated the high school sophomore from Elk Grove, California. “I want to race against the best competition I can because I know it will only make me a better driver. Considering the quality of the field I was up against tonight, I’m pretty happy with a top ten. Next week, I’m going to test myself against the Outlaws at Tulare and I’m really looking forward to seeing what I can do there.”
Larson’s racing efforts are sponsored by ParkerStore, CRV Racing Products, Starr Real Estate and Property Management, Safety Solutions – LFT Technologies, D & J Towing, Heritage Drywall, A.R.T. Speed Equipment, RPM Indoor Kart Racing and Conference Center, Platinum Powdercoating, JW Web Design, Wion’s Body Shop, SWEPCO Lubricants and Sierra Tire and Wheel.
Check out www.kylelarsonracing.com for video clips and current news.
Photos Courtesy of Steve LaMothe
www.kylelarsonracing.com
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