Rookie Phenom Larson Comes Close to Victory in Only Fourth Series Start

The 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Champion and Sonoco Rookie of the Year, Kyle Larson, battled Kyle Busch Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway in the all time second closest Nationwide finish at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile.”

Nearing the finish line and closing in on lapped cars, Larson tried to squeeze his way past Busch in the final seconds of the Jeff Foxworthy Grit Chips 300. Despite Larson’s Cottonelle Chevrolet crowd pleasing race to the finish, Busch nipped Larson at the finish line by .023 seconds.

Kyle Larson, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing Development Driver, made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut at the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway.  Larson’s Clorox Chevrolet finished 13th despite one of the most horrific crashes in recent NASCAR history on the final lap, injuring more than 30 fans.

After a 2nd place finish at the Jeff Foxworthy Grit Chips 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway, Larson ranks 9th in overall Nationwide driver standings. Larson was named 2013 Top Sprint Cup Prospect by Sporting News, and will be racing a full Nationwide Series season for Turner Motor Sports with financial support from Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing.

Larson’s next battle for Victory Lane will be March 23rd at the Royal Purple 300 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana California.

Are you a die-hard NASCAR fan? Follow every lap, every pit stop, every storyline? We're looking for fellow enthusiasts to share insights, race recaps, hot takes, or behind-the-scenes knowledge with our readers. Click Here to apply!

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SpeedwayMedia.com

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest articles

BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY’S BAND OF NASCAR BROTHERS

From the high-banked inaugural race in 1961 to the modern-era battles of 2025, sibling rivalries have defined the "World's Fastest Half-Mile."

MINER Extends Partnership With Spire Motorsports via Multi-Year Extension

Miner Ltd., the self-perform, national service partner for smarter, safer loading docks, will return to Spire Motorsports and NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar’s No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for multiple races in 2026 and beyond.

Dirt Track Racing Returns to Friendship Speedway

Nestled in Surry County, NC, Friendship Motor Speedway is looking to hop back into action later on this month for the NC Speedweek on February 25th-27th.

OPTIMA BATTERIES-BACKED CHRISTOPHER POLVOORDE WINS 2026 DESERT CHALLENGE FOR THIRD YEAR IN A ROW

The rising phenom continues his winning streak with a dominating victory

Best New Zealand Online Casinos