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Opportunity Lost With DNF For Larson At Watsonville

Watsonville, California. September 20, 2008. With misfortune befalling Hoosier Tires California Sprint Car 360 Civil War Series point leader Sean Becker on the first lap of the main event at Watonsville’s Ocean Speedway, second in points Kyle Larson had a golden opportunity to close the 26 point gap between the two with another solid run. However, the 16 year old driver from Elk Grove, California experienced two late race spins that eliminated him from the race. Even with his departure, Larson did finish one place ahead of Becker, who was two laps down to race winner Tyler Walker at the checkered flag.

Thirty-nine cars signed in for the return of the Civil War Series to the coastal track after a several year absence and Larson qualified 15th quick. He started third in the third heat and finished second to transfer into the feature race. Becker finished fifth in his heat, requiring the former Golden State Challenge Series and Silver Dollar Speedway champion to advance through the B-main.

After Becker finished second in the semi the A-main lineup was set with Becker starting seventh and Larson 11th. In turn four of the first lap cars at the front of the pack came together, with Becker getting the worst of the damage, while Larson scrambled away from the melee. Although all cars were able to continue without stopping, the yellow flag appeared and the lap was scored. Becker lost his nose wing and had damage to this top wing. He did not duck into the pits until late in the extended caution period. When he returned he was still minus the nose wing and carried the same damaged top wing. As Larson restarted his Dave and Debbie Vertullo CRV Racing Products/Eagle/ Kistler in 14th Becker struggled with obvious handling issues. By lap 10, when the red flag appeared for a flip by Doug Hunting, Larson had only advanced to 13th while Becker had been lapped by Walker. During the red flag period Becker returned to the pits for repairs that included a new top wing.

When the race resumed Larson began to make things happen as he passed a car per lap to move into tenth by lap 15. For the next 10 laps Larson shadowed Evan Suggs and finally made the pass with five laps left in the 30 lap headliner. A lap 27 yellow flag for Andy Gregg moved Larson into eighth. Once the race restarted Larson made an inside pass of Jason Statler into turn one. After the pass was completed Larson made contact with sixth running Ken Fredenburg when his right front touched the left rear of Fredenburg’s, causing the youngster to spin. With three laps still left Larson restarted at the tail of the 17 cars remaining. As he attempted an outside pass of Myles Bishop in turn three of lap 29, Larson allowed his car to spin for a second time and was disqualified from the race. When the race ended Larson was scored 15th as the last car to complete 29 laps while Becker finished 16th two laps down.

With four time Civil War champion Andy Forsberg, who is third in the Civil War Series points, not appearing, Larson knew going into the main event that at least second in the series championship was secured. “I knew there was no reason to be conservative,” said Larson. “When I saw what was going on with Sean I knew I had a good opportunity to close in. The track was difficult to pass on tonight but I tried hard to get every position and point I could. It was just unfortunate what happened when I touched Fredenburg. My mistake there probably cost me a shot at the championship. Instead of being down by ten or 12 points, I’ve got to make up 22 on Sean at Placerville next week. Anything can happen there and all I can do is to try to win the race and hope for the best.”

Larson’s racing efforts are sponsored by CRV Racing Products, Starr Real Estate and Property Management, Global ParkerStore, Safety Solutions – LFT Technologies, D & J Towing, RPM Indoor Kart Racing and Conference Center, A.R.T. Ent. Speed Equipment, Wion’s Body Shop and Powdercoating, JW Web Design, Mophead Graphix, SWEPCO Lubricants, Sierra Tire and Wheel, and Wyman Construction, Mancamp Motorsports and Edward’s Lawn Service.

Check out www.kylelarsonracing.com for video clips, current news and information.