Kyle Larson Ninth In Chico Pacific Sprint Fall Nationals
Chico, CA October 4, 5, 6, 2007. Facing the most formidable 360 sprint car competition yet
in his first year of racing the powerful machines, 15 year old Kyle Larson more than held
his own as he put together a steady performance over the course of the three day Pacific
Sprint Fall Nationals at the Silver Dollar Speedway. With a strong effort in his
preliminary night, Larson’s point total placed him ninth of the 91 cars that
attempted to make it into Saturday’s feature lineup. There, Larson battled race long
with many veterans of the sport, including the Kaedings brothers, Tim and Bud, the Allard
brothers, Jonathan and Stephen, and many other top drivers before finishing ninth.
Utilizing the same format as last month’s World of Outlaws Gold Cup Race of Champions at the same track, Larson’s preliminary
night saw 33 cars appear. Larson qualified sixth quick and started fifth in his heat race,
where he became the only driver to win his heat from the third row. Larson drew the sixth
and last starting spot in the first of two dashes, but advanced to fourth at the lap seven
checkered, earning the seventh starting spot in the A-main. In a race that saw Shane
Stewart lead all 30 laps Larson fought back issues that included a broken left rear shock
and a throttle that partially stuck open at every entry into a turn. Despite the serious
bicycling problem that was created, Larson held on to score a sixth place finish.
“That was the most difficult race I have ever run,” a relieved Larson said at
the conclusion. “I never thought I would be able to make 30 laps without turning the
car over. I was very happy to see the checkered flag come out.”
As Saturday’s feature finally arrived Larson found his Dave
and Debbie Vertullo ParkerStore/CRV Racing Products/Eagle Kistler gridded inside the fifth
row. In the early going Larson first battled fellow fifth row starter Bud Kaeding, and
then held 14th starting and eventual winner Tim Kaeding at bay for several laps before
relinquishing the tenth spot. By lap 22 Larson had fallen back to 14th, but began to find
the cushion around the top of the track to his liking, and started to claw his way back
into the top ten. When Tim Kaeding passed leader Shane Stewart in turn three on the 40th
and final lap, resulting in contact that sent Stewart over the crest of turn four, Larson
advanced to his original starting position of ninth at the checkered flag.
“I really enjoy these big events,” stated the high school sophomore from Elk
Grove,
California. “I want to race against the best competition I can because I know it will
only make me a better driver. Considering the quality of the field I was up against
tonight, I’m pretty happy with a top ten. Next week, I’m going to test myself
against the Outlaws at Tulare and I’m really looking forward to seeing what I can do
there.”
Larson’s racing efforts are sponsored by 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.
Race Date: October 4, 5, 6, 2007
Photos Courtesy of Steve LaMothe
