HIGHS AND LOWS PUNCTUATE LARSON’S PACIFIC NORTHWEST OUTINGS Elk Grove, CA. Kyle Larson’s first excursion to experience racing in the Pacific Northwest, with the Dirt Cup at Washington’s Skagit Speedway being the final destination, was one of early highs, and soon to be disappointing lows due to engine issues. But, with some very fortunate help and a never say die attitude, Larson and the Dave and Debbie Vertullo Racing team were able to reach their goal of making the feature race of one of the highest paying sprint car events in the country. Saturday June 13 was to be the first race on the trek northward as the Golden State Challenge Series was scheduled to compete at Medford, Oregon’s Southern Oregon Speedway. Threatening weather closed in around the race track all day until finally letting loose with heavy rain during the last of hot laps. Prior to the downpour Larson recorded the fastest lap of the cars pitted. With no makeup date available the race was cancelled and the GSC teams moved on to picturesque Cottage Grove Speedway. With beautiful weather all around on Monday June 15th, 22 cars signed in for round number 15 of the GSC schedule. Larson’s highest point of the trip occurred when he set fast time and won the dash to procure the pole position for the A-main. However, halfway through the dash the engine dropped a valve, which necessitated a quick engine change before the feature. Many different teams jumped in to help with the change to the backup engine, which was completed in time to make the race. Unfortunately, due to differences in fuel systems of the two engines, the struggles didn’t end there as the powerplant would not fire in time to join the lineup. Although the issue was resolved prior to there being a lap scored, officials declared Larson could not compete because he missed the original green flag. As a result the leading contender for GSC Rookie of the Year scored no points and dropped to fifth in the point standings. As the team rolled into Skagit Speedway on Thursday, fingers were crossed that the backup engine could survive the high speed, high RPM race track for three nights of intense racing. With 42 cars on hand Larson was only able to muster the 35th quickest time. Although Larson was able to finish second in the C-main and take the last position into the semi, overheating issues developed and Larson came to a stop with two laps to go. With the possibility of another damaged engine it appeared Larson’s first Dirt Cup was over, while sitting 34th in total points. But, due to the generous gesture of fellow competitor Zach Zimmerly’s dad, Dennis, offering the use of one of their engines, Larson was back in business the next night. Larson’s timing effort improved considerably with 11th fast time, which led to a flag to flag win in heat number one. Sitting sixth in total points after the heats, Larson began the feature in 10th. After dealing with issues involving the top wing slider and a broken frame spud connected to the nose wing, at the end of the 30 lap headliner the 16 year old was scored 11th, which advanced him to 23rd in total points. As the finals began on Saturday night, the ultimate goal of making the lucrative feature race was ahead. Needing a top eight finish Larson started seventh in the B-main event. At the end of the 20 lapper the Starr Property Management Special squeezed into the 24 car feature field with a seventh place finish. Larson started 23rd and was a victim of early leader Tyler Walker’s torrid pace when the veteran began lapping cars. While Larson was the third car lapped at the quarter point of the 40 lap race, he kept pace with Walker and second place Roger Crockett until the first yellow flag appeared on lap 20. Racing was back under green conditions for only two laps when Chadd Noland’s car lost the driveline and torque tube on the front straightaway. Shane Stewart was the first to hit the torque tube and Larson the next. The contact sent the tube into the young driver’s cockpit through the floorpan, with Larson miraculously avoiding any injury to his lower extremities. With the throttle pedal blocked by the gaping hole, Larson’s Dirt Cup was over. As both Walker and Crockett experienced late race engine malfunctions, local favorite Jayme Barnes scored a very popular win. The Washington veteran held off the Kaeding clan of Tim, Bud, and Brent to win his second Dirt Cup in a row. Assessing the week just past Larson commented, “We sure got off to a great start with our early effort at Cottage Grove. Dave Vertullo had the car on rails and without the engine problem we were going to be tough to beat. The engine swap was just an unfortunate deal that we’ll just have to learn from and all we can do is move on.” “At Skagit,” Larson continued, “I thought we were just going to be spectators for the last two nights until Dennis Zimmerly jumped in to help our team. Without his help, and Duke and Scott McMillen’s, our racing would have probably been over. I can’t thank them enough for what they did for us. The engine was very strong and gave me the break I needed to make the feature.” “I also want to thank Rich Stadelhofer, of Stadelhofer Construction, for coming on board. We just met Rich a few weeks ago at Calistoga, and he has been a big help just when we needed it. If it weren’t for people like him and Dennis Zimmerly my season would be on hold right now.” Larson’s racing efforts are sponsored by Starr Property Management, Inc., Phoenix ParkerStores and Lubrication Equipment and Supply Co., Stadelhofer Construction, Wion’s Body Shop and Powdercoating, A.R.T. Speed Equipment, G & N Construction, JW Web Design, Safety Solutions-LFT Technologies, Simpson Performance Products, Wyman Construction, GME-Nields Steerings, LRB Manufacturing, SWEPCO Lubricants, Edward’s Lawn Service, Sierra Tire and Wheel, Mancamp Motorsports, and Mophead Graphix. Race: June 15, 2009 – Cottage Grove Speedway, GSC June 18, 19 & 20, 2009 – Skagit Speedway, Dirt Cup Photos Courtesy of Steve's Racing Photos