4/3/2012
Sprint Source
Kyle Larson adds spice to KWS opener this Saturday at Antioch Speedway
Former state champ Kyle Larson returns for Cancen Oil King of the West opener at Antioch Speedway this Saturday
By Gary Thomas
Antioch, CA – April 4, 2012…When the Cancen Oil King of the West Sprint Car Series presented by Goodyear opens the season this Saturday night at the Antioch Speedway, there will be a little more star power on hand, with former state champ Kyle Larson throwing his name into the mix.
It was announced earlier this year that the now North Carolina resident had signed as a developmental driver for Earnhardt/Ganassi Racing, as he transitions into the sport of stock car racing to further his career.
For the Cancen Oil King of the West Series presented by Goodyear season-opener, Larson will return to the dirt and climb behind the wheel of the Paul Silva Racing No. 57 machine. The reigning MSPA Open Wheel Oval Track Driver of the Year spoke about his excitement for the weekend.
“I’m definitely looking forward to driving for Paul Silva the next couple weeks,” said Larson. “Silva Motorsports has experienced a lot of success over the years and hopefully we can continue that. Last season at the KWS opener I was really fast, but would definitely like to finish it off in victory lane this time around.”
The 19-year-old Elk Grove, California native took the country by storm last season, winning in virtually every type of race car he competed in. Larson this season is also currently driving a stock car in the K&N East Pro Series for Rev Racing and finished ninth in his debut at the Bristol Motor Speedway on March 17.
Among Larson’s most decorated accomplishments in 2011 included winning the Gold Cup Race of Champions in Chico, the Bellville Midget Nationals, the Ultimate Challenge at Southern Iowa Speedway and sweeping the four-crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway.
The 2010 California state 410 Sprint Car champion also started out the 2012 year by winning a preliminary night feature at the famed Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Oklahoma and then finished third during the finale on Saturday night.
With all that said Larson will return to a track on Saturday that he has experienced the ups and downs at the last couple years.
Highlights at Antioch for Larson though, include a victory in July of 2010 and then last September he put on a thrilling show when the World of Outlaws came to town, charging from 12th in the main event and finished second to the legendary Steve Kinser.
Defending KWS champion Tim Kaeding will also be gunning to begin the season on a positive note after winning two World of Outlaws main events thus far in 2012. Others set to be on hand in Antioch will include reigning Dirt Cup winner Jonathan Allard, Hall of Famer Brent Kaeding, Evan Suggs, Jason Statler, Willie Croft, Andy Gregg, Bobby McMahan, Kenny Allen, Shane Golobic, Rico Abreu, Peter Murphy, Craig Stidham and many more.
The season-opener for KWS will be “Jackson Rancheria Night at the Races” and every adult fan in attendance will take home a card worth $25 of free play at Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort. We will be kicking off the season “Rancheria Style” at the Antioch Speedway!
On Saturday April 7 the front grandstand gate for “Jackson Rancheria Night at the Races” will open at 5pm. Hot laps are scheduled for 6pm, with qualifying at 6:30 and racing anticipated to start around 7. Tickets will be available the day of the race with adults being $20, children 6-12 $10, seniors 65 & older $10 and children 5 & under free. A family pack with two adults & two children will also be available for $50.
The Antioch Speedway is located at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds on the corner of 10th & L Streets in Antioch, California. Take SR-4 East (Highway 4) to the Somersville Road North Exit. Follow Somersville Road to 10thStreet. Turn Right on 10th Street. The address for the track is 1201 W. 10th Street Antioch, CA 94509.
Don't forget to “like” the Cancen Oil King of the West Series on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/kingofthewestsprints and follow us on Twitter @kwssprintracing for the most timely and up to date information on the series.
Also check out our official website at http://www.kwssprints.com for the latest news, results, history and more on the Cancen Oil King of the West 410 Sprint Cars presented by Goodyear.
Kyle Larson shown after winning the state 410 title in 2010. Ironically the Elk Grove native celebrated his championship that night by going to the Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort, who will be a partner with the series at the opener on Saturday. Photo by Steve Lamothe.
Article Credit: Gary Thomas
Submitted By: Gary Thomas
