Placerville, California – November 27, 2023
After a challenging end to the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, Kyle Larson bounced back in spectacular fashion at California’s Placerville Speedway, breaking his nearly two-year midget racing winless streak. The Hendrick Motorsports driver clinched victory at the Hangtown 100, pocketing a well-deserved $25,500.
Larson, the 2021 Cup Series champion, showed resilience and skill in the intense 30-lap race, overcoming unpredictable dirt track conditions and a competitive field. The event, part of the Hangtown 100, saw Larson in a decade-old Eagle chassis, starting from the sixth position and taking the lead on lap 6.
In a post-race interview, Larson expressed his joy, acknowledging the significance of the win in midget racing.
“It was a lot of fun, and it was cool to get back into victory lane in a midget. Not that I race them a lot, but it’s been a couple of years since I won a midget race,” Larson said.
The victory comes at a crucial time for Larson, providing a confidence boost following his performance in the Cup Series championship race. His adept handling of the challenging track conditions and strategic racing showcased his prowess in midget competition.
Reflecting on the race, Larson explained his approach to the track’s varying conditions due to rain delays.
“The track was in-between, and we didn’t know what it was going to do with all the rain coming and going and tilting it and all that. The car just got through the holes well compared to everyone else. That allowed me to move around,” he elaborated.
Looking ahead, Larson is set for a double-duty weekend in Indianapolis in 2024. Alongside his commitments with Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series, Larson will be driving for Arrow-McLaren in the iconic IndyCar race at Indianapolis. The anticipation among fans is high, especially after a leaked video showcased Larson’s impressive IndyCar livery.
As he gears up for the challenges of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, questions linger about Larson’s performance in a McLaren and how he will fare in the prestigious Indy 500. Motorsports enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting Larson’s debut in the IndyCar arena, setting the stage for an exciting 2024 racing season.
