ParkerStore Driver Kyle Larson Secures Seventh in Rookie Campaign of Civil War
Series
Scores 6th in season closer at Placerville
Placerville, CA. September 29, 2007. Way back in March ParkerStore driver Kyle Larson
raced a sprint car for the first time as Placerville Speedway held the season opener of
the ultra competitive California 360 Sprint Car Civil War Series. Things could not have
gone much worse as the then 14
year old was involved in two grinding incidents, the second of which required a front clip
to be fashioned in place before the youngster could compete again. As the points were
tallied Larson sat 37th in the standings with a steep learning curve ahead. Fast forward
to last Saturday night at the same Placerville Speedway, where Larson would turn a 12th
place starting position in the feature race into a sixth place finish at the checkered
flag, which solidified his hold on seventh in the final point standings. The dramatic
turnaround to the Civil War season was highlighted by Larson becoming the youngest ever
winner in California sprint car competition when he won the previous Civil War race at
Placerville, just four days after his 15th birthday, on August 4th. He also scored three
heat race wins over the course of the season.
Going into the season finale Larson held an eight point advantage over fellow rookie Mason
Moore, whom Larson had to overtake to garner the exciting victory eight weeks ago. After
qualifying was complete for the 38 cars in the pits Larson was 14th fast while Moore
qualified 21st. Moore turned a front row starting spot into a win in the first heat,
earning five valuable points. Larson started third in the second heat and fought his way
into the lead by lap five. He held on for the win over Civil War Champion Andy Forsberg,
keeping his advantage over Moore at eight points heading into the main event.
Larson lined his Dave and Debbie Vertullo ParkerStore/CRV Racing Products/Eagle Kistler
outside the sixth row in the 22 car field set to begin the A-main event. From the outset
Larson searched high and low for opportunities to move forward and by lap 16 had settled
into sixth, which he held to the lap 30 checkered flag. As Kyle Hirst raced to the
victory, Moore crossed the finish line ninth, giving Larson an 11 point gap over his
friendly rival.
“First, I have to thank Dave and Debbie Vertullo for giving me the opportunity to
drive a sprint car,” began Larson. “They didn’t even know me. Dave had only
seen me drive an outlaw kart one time. For them to put a 14 year old 89 pound kid in their
car, that’s kinda taking a chance. After that first race, I was down on myself. But
Dave and Debbie didn’t want to give up on me or me to give up on myself. I’m so
glad it all worked out because they are great people to drive for with a very fun and
positive crew; CJ, Bark, Deputy Dave, Andy, AJ, Sean and my dad. I would also like to
thank my sponsors: ParkerStore, CRV Racing Products, Starr Real Estate and Property
Management, Safety Solutions –LFT Technologies, D & J Towing, Heritage Drywall,
A.R.T. Speed Equipment, RPM Indoor Kart Racing and Conference Center, Platinum
Powdercoating, JW Web Design, Wion’s Body Shop, SWEPCO Lubricants and Sierra Tire and
Wheel for their support.”
Race Date: September 29, 2007
Photos Courtesy of Steve LaMothe
www.kylelarsonracing.com
