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Larson Tallies Convincing USAC Midget Win At Lucas Oil Raceway
Also sets track record at Indy Speedrome in first appearance
Indianapolis, Indiana – July 28 and 29, 2011. In only his sixth ever start on pavement in a midget, Elk Grove, California’s Kyle Larson proved a quick study as he blasted to the front from sixth starting to lead by lap seven and go on to a dominating win last Thursday night at Lucas Oil Raceway. The USAC Mopar National Midget Series event, part of the opening night of the three day Kroger Speedfest, also saw Larson set fast time and score a clean sweep.
“I never really thought I would enjoy pavement racing,” said the 18 year old. “Prior to this year I was basically just a dirt winged sprint car driver. But to be able to get into a quality ride such as Keith Kunz’ provides, it makes it fun to go out and compete on pavement knowing you have a chance to win every race. Tonight the car was awesome and the Toyota power got me to the front fairly easily.”
With a surprisingly low car count of 18, no heat races were held. The fastest six cars from qualifying were inverted at the front of the feature field. Outside front row starter Darren Hagen assumed the lead from the outset as action was furious just behind him. USAC National Midget point leader Bryan Clauson and Larson were on the move from the third row, slicing and dicing to the front.
By lap three Clauson had moved past Kyle Hamilton into second, as Larson got past Tracy Hines and Kody Swanson. In turn three and four of lap five Larson took over third from Hamilton, while Clauson closed in on Hagen. Going into turn one of the next lap Clauson swept past Hagen to take over the point, while Larson quickly reeled in the two frontrunners.
Down the backstretch Larson set up a spectacular move as he first went around the outside of Hagen in turn three and then dove underneath Clauson out of turn four and onto the front straightaway. Although Clauson led the lap at the line his lead was short lived as Larson did not hesitate and blew past to take the lead into turn one.
After taking command Larson extended his lead to approximately 15 car lengths when the first yellow flag appeared on lap 20. After the restart Larson gradually pulled away once again, while Clauson and Hagen engaged in a torrid battle behind. As Hagen aggressively looked for a way into the runnerup position, Clauson repelled every move. Finally, on lap 26, Hagen came into contact with Clauson’s left rear and sent the defending USAC Midget champion for a spin in turn three. After receiving a push start Clauson showed his displeasure with Hagen under the yellow flag period and attempted a payback move down the back straightaway. Unfortunately for Clauson, his car came to a stop and he was eliminated from the race.
When the green flag reappeared Larson once again pulled out to a comfortable lead and went on to his first pavement main event win. Hagen held on for second over Hines and became the new USAC midget point leader, while Larson, sitting third in points, continued to close ground in the championship chase.
As a jubilant Larson exited his mount to the cheers of the crowd, Hagen and Clauson had a heated discussion that turned into a brief skirmish on the front straightaway. In victory lane Larson commented, “I thought I did pretty good here tonight but it looks like Bryan and Darren provided the most excitement. It an awesome feeling to get my first pavement win here tonight. I’ve only raced on pavement a few times before and to get my first win here in front of this great crowd is pretty special.”
The next night the USAC midget contingent moved to the other side of Indianapolis for their first appearance at the Bryant Heating and Cooling Speedrome in five years. Once again Larson showed his adaptability to pavement as he broke the existing midget track record in qualifying in his first ever appearance at the track. In his heat race Larson drove from sixth to fourth on the tight little bullring.
Unfortunately, with the cars lined up on the track in front of the huge crowd on hand to see the 100 lap Mel Kenyon Classic, rain came upon the scene to postpone the conclusion of the event to a still to be determined date.
Larson also competed in the USAC TRAXXAS Silver Crown Series at Lucas Oil Raceway on Thursday night but did not experience the same fate as in the midget division. After qualifying 10th quick of the 30 cars assembled Larson developed handling issues from the start of the 100 lap feature. Pitting several times under yellow flag periods, Larson and crew were able to make adjustments that improved the IWX Motor Freight machine over the course of the race. As Kody Swanson went on to a crowd pleasing comeback win after serious injuries in May, Larson persevered to a 19th place finish.
Larson’s racing efforts are sponsored by Toyota Racing Development, Bullet Chassis, IWX Motor Freight, ButlerBuilt Professional Seat Systems, Stadelhofer Construction, Peppermill ~ Resort ~ Spa Casino ~ Reno, Simpson Race Products, RJ’s Race Graphics, Abreu Vineyards, JW Web Design, Kaeding Performance, Safety Solutions and All Star Performance.
For more information and news on Kyle Larson visit his website at www.kylelarsonracing.com .
Main Event Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo-TMzcSvtI
Race: July 28 & 29, 2011
Photos Courtesy of Chris Pedersen
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