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Chico, CA – ParkerStore Outlaw Sprint Kart driver Kyle Larson enjoyed another big
night at Cycleland Speedway as he raced to his first win in the 500cc Open Intermediate
division and finished second to 2005 Golden State Challenge Series and Silver Dollar
Speedway Sprint Car Champion Sean Becker in the 500cc Open Division. In the process Larson
took the point lead in the Open division and expanded his lead in the Open Intermediates.
For the 13 year old from Elk Grove, California, to be leading both of the top divisions
simultaneously is unprecedented in the hotly contested Northern California sprint karts.
Larson qualified fourth quick of the 33 Open Intermediates, placing him third in the lineup for the six kart eight lap trophy dash.
He moved into first in turn two of lap two and went on to the victory. Larson lined his
ParkerStore/Grandpa George Motors/ QRC Factory Kart fifth on the 22 kart A-main grid. At the drop of the green flag Larson went low down
the front straight and emerged from turn two in second. By turn four he passed leader
Alissa Geving and went on unchallenged to the lap 20 checkered.
In the Open Division Larson qualified second in a field of 31 and started fifth in the
dash. He was able to advance to second at the finish behind
David Tarter, which placed him sixth in the feature race. Polesitter Michael Helwig lead
at the start as Larson jumped into fourth on the first lap. By the second lap he had
fallen to sixth but then began to march forward. On lap three he went by Daniel Becker
into fifth and on lap six passed Tarter for fourth. Lap seven saw Larson pass Tyler Schaff
for third and the halfway point found
Larson moving by Helwig, who had lost the lead to S. Becker on lap four. Larson attempted
to close ground on outlaw kart legend S. Becker but trailed at the finish by 2.5 seconds.
When asked to comment Larson stated, “I wish I could have had something for Sean. I
love the challenge of racing against him. He’s one of the best sprint car drivers in
the country and also probably the best outlaw kart driver ever. It’s only the second
time I’ve gotten to race against him. Last time I had just passed him for the lead
after a great battle and I lost my chain and unfortunately took him out with me. I did the
best I could tonight and came up short to the best driver here. I’m real surprised
though to be leading the points in the Open Division. When we decided to race in the
division the hope was just to be in the top ten because the talent is so tough and
experienced. To be leading at this point, after being in sixth and 41 points out of the
lead two races ago, is hard to believe.”
Race: June 3, 2006
Photos Courtesy of Jack Waterman
www.kylelarsonracing.com
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