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Larson’s Top 5 Derailed With Seven To Go In First Attempt At Oval Nationals
Perris, California – November 4, 5,& 6, 2010. Continuing a trend of running at the front in very limited appearances in non wing sprint cars, 18 year old Kyle Larson once again showed what he could do in the machines in his first appearance at the 15th Annual USAC Oval Nationals at Perris Auto Speedway last weekend. Starting ninth in the 40 lap feature event, Larson drove his way to fifth place by the mid point of the race, passing the likes of Jon Stanbrough, Levi Jones, Tracy Hines, and Bud Kaeding before the rear end let go with seven laps remaining.
Joining forces for the first time with Glenn Crossno and his potent ITI Performance Viper Chassis sprinter with Kistler power that was to be piloted by injured Shane Hmiel, Larson got steadily faster as the three day event unfolded. After qualifying 20th on Thursday out of 51 entries and stopping the clocks 17th out of 49 on Friday Larson garnered third and fourth place finishes in each night’s heat races from fifth starting to advance to both main events.
On Thursday Larson began the 25 lap feature in 12th and progressed to eighth before brake issues saw him drop to 11th at the finish. Despite the setback the driver from Elk Grove, California found himself 12th in overall points, precariously holding onto the final guaranteed spot into Saturday’s main. Eighth starting and defending USAC titlist Jones made a late race pass of Kaeding to aid in his quest for a fourth national sprint car championship.
In Friday’s feature Larson lined up 14th on the grid and was involved in several exciting tussles, most notably with Kaeding, whom he traded positions with a couple of times. After getting by USAC/CRA veterans Mike Spencer and Danny Sheridan, the young hotshoe battled the last several laps with fellow teenager Chris Windom, a USAC national regular. On the last lap a drag race to the checkered flag ensued between the duo and Larson gained just enough to prevail at the line.
Jones and 2009 Oval Nationals champ Damion Gardner fought it out up front for most of the race until contact between the two found Jones stopped at turn two with just a handful of laps remaining. After changing a front tire Jones returned to the track and let Gardner know his feelings with a bump to his front end. The black flag came out for Jones as Gardner held on for the win. When final points were tallied Larson sat comfortably in ninth and would start there in his inaugural Oval Nationals feature.
After three qualifying races were held Saturday night to determine the final entrants into the headline event Larson and all others lined up on the front straightaway for pre-race festivities. When engines fired in the biggest non wing race of his short career Larson sat poised to run with the best traditional sprint car drivers in the business.
From the outset Larson was looking to be a factor on the very hooked up track that was proving that passing would be at a premium. After getting a feel for his car over the first few laps Larson stepped it up and began to hound Jones for seventh. Finally a daring high side pass in turn three and four shot Larson into the spot. Carrying his newfound momentum Larson did the same to Stanbrough in turn one and two to take over sixth.
Pulling away, Larson began to chase down pole starter and 2002 USAC champ Tracy Hines in his effort to continue forward. As Windom led non stop from outside the front row Larson was showing signs of being a contender for the win when he sped by Hines near the mid point of the race to move into the top five. With Spencer next in his sights Larson closed in on the defending USAC/CRA champion over the next several laps.
Finally there, Larson pressured Spencer, waiting either for a mistake or for his smoking engine to expire. However, it would be Larson’s hopes that would expire as the rear end suddenly let go when the red 38 machine entered turn one of lap 33. As the pack raced by Larson dejectedly pulled into the infield pit area, done for the night. Windom went on to claim the biggest win in his career as Gardner and Bobby East trailed at the finish.
“It’s unlucky that we couldn’t close out the race with a top five tonight, but those things happen”, said Larson after the race. “I just feel real fortunate to even be in this car and racing for Glenn Crossno. He, and Bryan and Dave Sundby, gave me such a good car to run all weekend. I didn’t have anything going for this race until they called Tuesday. I flew down here that day, practiced Wednesday, and took my best shot. I still don’t feel totally comfortable in a non wing car but they helped me out a lot and we worked really well together. Maybe we can do it again next year and win this thing.”
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