Forum: Northern California Sprint Car (go)
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 Larson Scores 14th In First Calistoga Attempt

Calistoga, CA – June 16, 2007.  For 14 year old sprint car driver Kyle Larson, every first attempt at tracks he has run so far has brought a different element that has made each unique.  As Larson prepared to tackle the intimidating speeds of the biggest track on the west coast, the beautiful Calistoga Speedway, he knew that respect for it would be the most important factor.  When the night was done Larson’s run would earn the respect of many veteran onlookers as he raced to a 14th place finish in the Calistoga Cup, which was also round number five of the California Sprint Car Civil War Series.

When qualifying was completed Larson found himself 26th fastest of the 37 cars pitted.  He started seventh in heat two and advanced to fifth at the finish, one spot away from a transfer to the A-main.  Needing to finish in the top six to make it to the feature, Larson lined up seventh for the start of the B-main.  After falling to eight after a restart on lap two, the Elk Grove, California high school sophomore began to charge forward.  As the last 11 laps were run non-stop, Larson executed passes high and low and appeared to be the fastest car on the track.  When the checkered flag appeared, his third place finish would advance the former outlaw sprint kart champion into the 22 car A-main lineup.

Larson started the Dave and Debbie Vertullo ParkerStore/CRV Racing Products/Eagle Kistler 20th in the 25 lapper.  After seemingly finding himself in a battle for position the entire race Larson was able to scratch his way to 14th in the final rundown, as Calistoga’s own Mike Benson scored his first ever win at his hometown track.  Larson’s finish in the talent laden field propelled the leading rookie of the year contender into ninth in the season long Civil War Series point standings.

Commenting after the races Larson said, “This week, leading up to this race, I didn’t feel nervous at all thinking about it.  But my parents showed me a press release where Greg DeCaires said you better respect this place or it could bite you.  I knew that from watching races here my whole life, but reading his comments made me be more focused about what I was about to do. I knew a lot of eyes would be on me and mostly I didn’t want to be the cause of something.  Today I got some good advice from DeCaires, Stephen Allard and David Robinson, Jr. and was ready to go.  When it was all over, it felt really good to have John Padjen and Mike Andreetta come to tell me how well I did.  That means a lot to me.”

Race:  June 16, 2007
Photos Courtesy of Steve LaMothe
www.kylelarsonracing.com

This kid was REAL exciting to watch in the B Main. Didn't get his due attention during the feature only because I think 90% of the place had their eyes glued to the front four, and the 77 in particular.

I went with the full intention of posting from my phone, and even tried when Mike pulled the 10 Pill and out himself on the pole, only to find that The Board doesn't like Windows 5 Mobile any better than it liked my Palm. Oh well....forced me to sit back, relax, and enjoy the passing and the drama, of which there was plenty of both!

That was the most exciting night of racing I've ever seen at Calistoga. The heats were even good.

Watching Mike bring that one home goes up there with my all-time favorites. He was absolutely mobbed in Victory Lane by the other drivers, crews, and half the grandstands. It was a great, GREAT night to be at the races.

Congrats Mike! I came home with no voice too.