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Larson Fourth in Golden State Challenge Opener At Placerville

Placerville, CA March 27, 2010. With a huge opportunity before him as part of Brent Kaeding’s BK Motorsports operation, Kyle Larson had been looking forward to his opening night of the 2010 sprint car season for quite a while and with the rainout of the two day Mini Gold Cup at Chico’s Silver Dollar Speedway two weeks ago only delaying that start, his anticipation grew daily. Finally, on Saturday night Larson and the rest of the Golden State Challenge Series contingent were able to get some racing out of their system as the touring group debuted at Placerville Speedway. In a solid effort Larson drove from ninth to fourth, taking advantage when he could on a narrow racing surface.

Larson qualified the Stadelhofer Construction/Peppermill Casino/Maxim/Shaver sixth of the 22 cars entered. With a change in the GSC format this year that puts heat winners and the top three qualifiers in the dash, Larson had his work cut out for him to make the dash. Starting third in the third heat, Larson trailed front row starter Brent Kaeding, fourth starting Jonathan Allard, and pole starter Brandon Carey in the early going. However, on lap five Larson got above the cushion in turn four and spun to a stop. Restarting at the back Larson was able to advance to sixth when the checkered flag appeared, while gaining a small consolation by turning the fastest lap of the race.

Larson began the 30 lap feature in ninth on the lighting fast hillside bullring that had seen almost no passing up to that point. On the first lap seventh starting Andy Gregg slid high in turn one and Larson was able to dart underneath both him and Andy Forsberg before the exit of turn two. Two laps later Larson drove below Jimmy Trulli off turn two and powered into sixth.

Following a restart Larson scooted by Evan Suggs in turn one to take over fifth. Larson sized up fast time qualifier Colby Copeland over the next couple of laps before making the pass with an inside move in turn three, which pushed the 99 car into fourth on lap six.

With Allard leading over Kaeding and Bobby McMahan from the outset, Larson joined the fray with repeated attempts to overtake McMahan over the last 24 laps. With several caution periods slowing the pace, much needed lapped traffic rarely became a factor and the top four drivers held firm to the finish, with Larson just missing a place on the podium.

“Starting where I did tonight with the track the way it was, I feel pretty good about my finish,” Larson commented after the race. “You can’t win them all and consistency with top five’s is how to get it done over a season. The resources of Brent and his crew, especially my crew chief Clark Riolo, Skippy and Nick, has me really excited about contending for the GSC championship. Having great sponsors like Stadelhofer Construction and the Peppermill Casino make this all possible and I’m sure looking forward to a great season.”

Larson’s racing efforts are sponsored by Stadelhofer Construction, The Peppermill~Resort~Spa~Casino~Reno, Kaeding Performance, Safety Solutions-LFT Technologies, Simpson Race Products, and JW Web Design.

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



Photo Courtesy of Steve La Mothe
www.stevesracingphotos.com

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