Calistoga, California, August 9, 2008. After a recent string of strong finishes that put
himself in contention for the Hoosier Tires California 360 Sprint Car Series championship,
Kyle Larson saw misfortune look down upon him last Saturday night. As the series returned
to the picturesque half mile Calistoga Speedway for the final time in 2008, a long night
spent dealing with a balky engine finally led to the 16 year old driver dropping out of
the main event.
With 31 cars on hand Larson qualified 20th fast despite lacking much needed power down
Calistoga’s long straightaways. “We made a gear change after hot laps hoping
that would help,” offered Larson, “But it was only slightly better.”
After making additional adjustments, Larson lined up outside row one in the fourth heat
and promptly dropped to fourth by the time the pack entered turn one. Larson held off
fourth fast qualifier Kyle Hirst to take the last transfer spot into the feature race.
With the main event
shortened to 20 laps due to dry track conditions that were greatly affecting tire wear
Larson started the Dave and Debbie Vertullo CRV Racing Products/Eagle/Kistler in 19th
place. Despite the engine continuing to affect his performance, Larson was able to move
forward as he passed several cars on the opening lap. By the time the first yellow flag
appeared on lap 17 Larson had driven into 12th. However, on the restart, Larson slowed
considerably down the frontstretch and pulled into the infield on the back side of the
track. As Larson was scored 19th in the final standings, Jason Statler took the win over
Brent Kaeding, Ronnie Day, Jeff Parady, with series point leader Sean Becker claiming
fifth.
Queried after the race Larson said, “We made some changes to the fuel system and thought
there was a good chance it was cured. But I could tell right off I was going to have to do
the best I could with what I had. Even though I was slow on the straights I could still
pass people in the turns. At the restart I could feel a big change, so I just shut it down
because I didn’t want to hurt the engine. It doesn’t appear that there is
anything wrong internally with the engine, so now we’re suspecting electrical
problems. It doesn’t help my chances for the championship but Sean Becker has had his
share of engine problems too. We’ll just regroup and come back strong at the next
Civil War race during Gold Cup week at Chico.”
Larson’s racing efforts are sponsored by CRV Racing Products, Starr Real Estate and
Property Management, Global ParkerStore, Safety Solutions – LFT Technologies, D &
J Towing, RPM Indoor Kart Racing and Conference Center, A.R.T. Ent. Speed Equipment,
Wion’s Body Shop and Powdercoating, JW Web Design, Mophead Graphix, SWEPCO
Lubricants, Sierra Tire and Wheel, and Wyman Construction.
