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New Bullet Propels Larson To Third In Tulare GSC
Tulare, CA. April 11, 2009. Utilizing an engine recently acquired by his car owners, Dave and Debbie Vertullo, for the first time, Golden State Challenge Series Rookie of the Year contender Kyle Larson showed that he might aspire to make a statement for the championship also with a stellar run in round number three at Tulare’s Thunderbowl Raceway Saturday night. Top performances every time he hit the high speed 1/3 mile race track were highlighted by the 16 year old driver’s first podium finish with the GSC.
Qualifying for the 19 cars pitted saw Larson time in second quick behind 2007 GSC Rookie of the Year Evan Suggs. After a couple of cars scratched, Larson found himself starting fifth in the five car second heat. Contact between leader Tommy Tarlton and Jonathan Allard on the first lap led to Allard stopping on lap two with a flat left front tire.
After Allard ducked into the pits for a replacement Larson restarted third. He quickly disposed of second place Brandon Carey and set out for Tarlton. Larson set Tarlton up perfectly coming out of turn two on lap 6 and made an inside pass before the pair entered turn three. Larson quickly extended his lead to a straightaway advantage by lap ten, when the officials checkered the race after Andy Gregg flipped in turn one.
Due to the low car count all cars transferred from the heats to the main event. Therefore, the top eight qualifiers all made the dash that would set the front four rows. Larson drew the number six pill and started there. Tim Kaeding drew the pole and proceeded to lead all 6 laps, taking the win over second starting Jason Statler, third starter Gregg, and Larson.
At the outset of the 30 lap feature T. Kaeding led Statler and Gregg, while Larson fought off a couple of advances by sixth starting Brent Kaeding. As he pulled away from B. Kaeding Larson slowly closed on Gregg. When Gregg had trouble negotiating a lapped car on the back straightaway on lap nine Larson drove around into third.
On the next lap Ken Fredenburg spun in turn one to bring out the yellow flag. As the race resumed for a non stop finish Larson and Gregg battle off and on, while T. Kaeding still led over Statler. On lap 21 Gregg got underneath Larson in turn one, but the driver of the Starr Property Management/Eagle/Kistler 83v dove to the bottom of turn two to race back into third for good.
Over the last five laps Larson began to reel in Statler. The last two laps saw Larson trying the high outside line to get around Statler. Entering turn three of the final lap Larson looked to have enough momentum to carry around Statler, but the veteran driver moved out coming to the checkered flag to thwart the young driver’s attempt at the runnerup finish to T. Kaeding.
“During hot laps, when the engine had an oil fire, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to race tonight.” said Larson. “We finally got to run this engine tonight and it was a big help getting down these straight-aways. I really like this track and we seem to have success whenever we come here. I have to thank the Vertullo family for giving us the chance to come out and race with GSC this year and I’m looking forward to next week at Petaluma,” stated Larson during the track side interview with Gary Thomas.
Larson’s racing efforts are sponsored by Starr Property Management, Inc., Phoenix ParkerStores and Lubrication Equipment and Supply, G & N Construction, Simpson Performance Products, Wion’s Body Shop and Powdercoating, A.R.T. Speed Equipment, JW Web Design, Safety Solutions-LFT Technologies, Wyman Construction, GME-Nields Steerings, LRB Manufacturing, SWEPCO Lubricants, Edward’s Lawn Service, Sierra Tire and Wheel, Mancamp Motorsports, and Mophead Graphix.
Check out www.kylelarsonracing.com for video clips, current news and information.
Race Date: April 11, 2009
Photos Courtesy of Steve’s Racing Photos
www.stevesracingphotos.com
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