OPEN INTERMEDIATE WIN SNATCHED ON LAST LAP SECOND PLACE FINISH IN THE 125/250 DIVISION

Chico, CA – ParkerStore driver Kyle Larson nearly won both main events that he participated in Saturday night at Cycleland Speedway but the best he could muster was a second place finish in the intermediate 125/250 division. In the 500cc Open Intermediate division Larson had the race well in control until his throttle cable snapped just as the white flag appeared.

Just as last week, the 12 year old Elk Grove, CA. driver set fast time in both divisions. His 11.009 qualifying time topped 31 intermediate karts and put his ParkerStore /QRC Factory/Predator Motor powered kart last in the six kart dash. He finished third in that event and lined up seventh in the feature. On lap six Larson split Sean Martin and Mason Moore to move into third. On lap nine he went by second place Alissa Geving in turn two before quickly closing on leader Josh Keheley. Several yellows hampered the ability of the leaders to race as each lap is officially scored while racing to the yellow. The final restart came with two laps to go as Larson stalked Keheley and finally got side by side in turn four of the last lap. However, Keheley powered off the high side of turn four to get his first ever win at Cycleland while Larson settled for second and increased his point lead on Mason Moore.

In the 500 Intermediate division Larson set fast time of 11.481 over a 29 kart field. Again, he started sixth in the dash and drove his ParkerStore/QRC Factory/ Grandpa George powered kart to a second place finish. He started sixth in the A main and motored into third down the back straight on the first lap. Larson advanced past Colby Copeland for second on lap two and set his sights on leader Chad Pace. Coming out of turn four on lap seven, Pace lost control of his kart directly in front of the charging Larson, who had to take quick evasive action before inheriting the lead as the yellow flag appeared. On the ensuing restart Larson opened a comfortable lead on the pack and appeared headed to the victory. But after the white flag was given Larson coasted to a stop in turn one with a broken throttle cable, which relegated him to a 16th place finish. Keith Bloom went on to win the race but even with the misfortune Larson was able to protect his point lead over Bloom.

After the races Larson commented, “It’s kind of disappointing to lose the open intermediate race like that but broken parts just happen sometimes. It’s a lot easier to take than being taken out or messing up yourself. Either way I’m just happy that my 500cc kart is running so good. Grandpa George Becker sure builds a fast engine. In the intermediate division I thought once I got into second that I would be able to get by Keheley eventually. I tried everything I could to get by but Josh was really fast tonight and deserved to get the win. Next week we’re going to go back to Medford, Oregon to race Friday before coming back to race Saturday at Cycleland. I’m going to run three divisions at Medford this time so I’m really looking forward to racing in five main events this weekend. I can’t wait.”

Race: May 7, 2005
Photos courtesy of Jack Waterman