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. TheUSAC 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.
