Tulsa, Oklahoma, January 11 & 12, 2008. Although Kyle Larson’s first attempt at
the Chili Bowl
ended with a spectacular finish, it wasn’t really the kind of conclusion the 15 year
old from Elk Grove, California wanted. After earning a spot in one of Saturday’s pair
of F Main events, misfortune struck for Larson as he could not avoid a slowing car just
ahead of the checkered flag. As the flag waved Larson climbed the right rear tire of
Andrew Felker of Carl Junction, Missouri, and launched into a wild flip across the finish
line. By crossing the finish line Larson did keep his ninth place position at the
conclusion. Concord, California’s Damion Gardner went on to score his first win in
the 22nd annual event that featured nearly 280 drivers competing in the five day event.
Larson’s Chili Bowl week started Tuesday afternoon as all competitors were on the
track for practice. After that track time Larson waited until Friday night for his first
attempt at racing action. Sixty-six drivers were split into nine heat races by virtue of a
draw system. Larson drew the fourth starting position in the final heat, which is where
the youngster finished. The result gave Larson enough points to avoid the last chance
races, putting him into the top 40 point earners who made it into the four A-Qualifier
races.
Larson started in the 12th and final spot of the last A-qualifier and finished 10th,
placing him into one of two B-main events. He started 12th of the 16 entrants and by lap
two was in tenth. Exiting turn four of the second lap the car ahead of Larson checked up.
Larson was unable to avoid contact and spun, collecting a par of other cars. His right
front shock was the only part of his car to receive damage, but it was race ending as the
shock was blown apart. Larson’s night ended with him scored 15th.
Saturday’s activities started with double K-main events, with everyone trying to make
it to the A-feature
where only 12 drivers were locked into after the previous three nights of competition.
Larson started eight in the first of the double F-mains, where he needed to finish in the
top four to advance to the E-main. While running seventh on lap five last years third
place finisher in the Chili Bowl finale, ARCA driver Justin Allgaier of Springfield,
Illinous, spun in turn two and collected Larson and Campbell, California driver, Bud
Kaeding. Larson restarted 13th and had worked his way into tenth by the white flag. As he
battled with Glenn Carson of Concord, California and Allgaier on the final lap, Felker,
who was several spots ahead, slapped the wall exiting turn two. The contact caused Felker
to begin to slow with suspension damage. As Larson surged ahead of Carson exiting turn
four Felker’s car slowed considerably into the path of Larson. Larson’s attempt
to avoid Felker resulted in his mount launching over the right rear into a gyrating series
of flips across the finish line. Larson emerged from the accident unscathed and was scored
ninth to end his inaugural Chili Bowl.
About the Chili Bowl experience, Larson said, “Just to compete in this event is an
honor. There are so many good drivers here from so many different forms of racing that
make the Chili Bowl such a special event. I wish I could have done better, but for my
first try the F-main is not bad. Luck plays a big part in the Chili Bowl and it hurt me
some, but I finished ahead of a lot of other talented drivers that could say the same
thing. I sure hope to be a part of this race for many years to come. It’s a race I
don’t want to miss. I want to thank Cliff and Jackie Blackwell for providing me with
a ride and all my sponsors
who help me get here- Bret Givens Construction, NorthStar Concrete Pumping, ParkerStore,
Del’s Machine Shop, ILEX Lubrication Equipment and Supply Company and ParkerStore in
Phoenix, AZ, Swimming Pool Perfections, F& F Racing, RPM Indoor Kart Racing, KB
Recording and DJ, Deputy Dave, Bob and Julie Tsukamoto, Laticia Daniels, Grandpa and
Grandma Larson. Others that provided help at the race track include Pete Johnson, Kelly
Young, Darin Robison, Sandy Swinehart, Tony Elliott, Moose and Kay, and Doug Nunes. I want
to thank all of them for helping.”
Bowl
ended with a spectacular finish, it wasn’t really the kind of conclusion the 15 year
old from Elk Grove, California wanted. After earning a spot in one of Saturday’s pair
of F Main events, misfortune struck for Larson as he could not avoid a slowing car just
ahead of the checkered flag. As the flag waved Larson climbed the right rear tire of
Andrew Felker of Carl Junction, Missouri, and launched into a wild flip across the finish
line. By crossing the finish line Larson did keep his ninth place position at the
conclusion. Concord, California’s Damion Gardner went on to score his first win in
the 22nd annual event that featured nearly 280 drivers competing in the five day event.
sponsors
who help me get here- Bret Givens Construction, NorthStar Concrete Pumping, ParkerStore,
Del’s Machine Shop, ILEX Lubrication Equipment and Supply Company and ParkerStore in
Phoenix, AZ, Swimming Pool Perfections, F& F Racing, RPM Indoor Kart Racing, KB
Recording and DJ, Deputy Dave, Bob and Julie Tsukamoto, Laticia Daniels, Grandpa and
Grandma Larson. Others that provided help at the race track include Pete Johnson, Kelly
Young, Darin Robison, Sandy Swinehart, Tony Elliott, Moose and Kay, and Doug Nunes. I want
to thank all of them for helping.” 