Kyle Larson ‘Felt Like a Super Star’ With Top Ten Truck Finish

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July 2, 2012

[media-credit name=”Photo Credit: kylelarsonracing.com” align=”alignright” width=”157″][/media-credit]Making his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in the UNOH 225 at Kentucky Speedway, one young driver just wanted to learn and finish the race.

But Kyle Larson, behind the wheel of the No. 4 Chip Ganassi Racing Teams Mobile App, finished top ten and simply “felt like a super star.”

“That was a big surprise,” Larson said. “I didn’t get much practice there so I didn’t really know how I was going to do.”

“And with me blowing a motor up and not having much practice, as well as being a go or go homer, I didn’t push it too hard in qualifying,” Larson continued. “I just wanted to spend the first part of the race figuring out how the truck handled and how the air moved around.”

“Once I learned some stuff, I could really race and I could start picking off people,” Larson said. “And then I found myself in the top ten, so I was really excited about it.”

“I felt like a super star.”

With a top-ten in his Truck debut, Larson also garnered a fair amount of attention, particularly from the media. But the young driver took it all in stride.

“I don’t pay too much attention about it,” Larson said. “The spot light’s been on me for quite a while now.”

“I just try to go out and race because that’s my job and I love doing it,” Larson continued. “I just want to go out and win. And if I keep winning, the spot light will be even better.”

Although Larson seemingly sprang onto the NASCAR scene, he has been driving since the age of seven. And he has an extremely impressive racing resume.

“I started racing outlaw karts when I was seven,” Larson said. “They’re 400 pound go karts with 500 cc engines. So, they have way too much power for how much they weigh.”

“I did that for about seven or eight years and moved into 360 and 410 sprint cars on dirt when I was 14,” Larson continued. “I won a couple races the first two years and my fourth year I won the championship and last year was my first year racing nationally in USAC in all their divisions.”

“I also ran some outlaw races and I’m the only other driver besides I think Tony Stewart to win in all the open wheel national touring series all in one year,” Larson said. “I swept the four crown last year at Eldora Speedway and I did it my first try. That was cool to do.”

“Last year I won a lot of big races so last year stands out to me because of that.”

Larson has also been part of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, running in the K&N Pro Series East under the auspices of Rev Racing. And the young racer credits much of his success so far to that program.

“It’s helped me a lot,” Larson said. “My mom’s Japanese so that’s how I’m in the diversity program.”

“I run for Rev Racing and we’ve been pretty good all year,” Larson continued. “We got a win at Gresham a couple weeks ago.”

“We just got to make the right calls for the race,” Larson said. “That’s our biggest problem we’ve had this year, not keeping up with the race track because it changes so much.”

“I think if we work on that, we’ll be better and win some more races.”

While Larson enjoys driving all types of race cars, his favorite being the winged sprint car, he sees himself racing in NASCAR’s highest levels. And ultimately, he would like to own his own race team.

“Hopefully the route I’m going will take me to the Sprint Cup Series some day,” Larson said. “That’s my goal and that’s what I want to do.”

“I want to race with Stewart and Gordon and Kahne and all those guys every week,” Larson continued. “And I’d like someday to own my own team like Kahne and Tony do.”

“That’s my goal is to get to the Sprint Cup Series so I can help young kids coming up.”

Larson aspires to be like two drivers in the Cup Series currently, but for very different reasons.

“As far as a driver, I’d like to be like Kyle Busch because he wins, not a whole lot this year, but he’s a talented driver and he always gives 110%,” Larson said. “As far as off the track goes, I think I need to be like Jimmie Johnson.”

“He’s really good with the fans and really good with the sponsors too,” Larson continued. “I’d like to be a driver like Kyle and like Jimmie off the track.”

But for now, the young up and comer just hopes he can do some more truck racing, which of course is dependent on sponsorship.

“Yeah, sponsors mean a lot as far as getting rides,” Larson said. “I’ve been lucky being with Chip Ganassi Racing and he helped out a lot with this year and also with the truck race at Kentucky.”

“He has been a great help to me and hopefully we can find some more sponsors to get some more races,” Larson continued. “It’s tough to do with the economy being so bad.”

“They’ve talked about a few more races but it all depends on if we get a sponsor,” Larson said. “If it were up to me, I’d be racing every weekend in that truck.”

“I had a lot of fun.”

Larson’s family also had a great time watching him race in his first ever Truck race. Although his parents still live in his native California, they have taken off this summer to watch their son and to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

“Right now, my mom and dad are with me at these races, hanging out,” Larson said. “My dad just retired so he has some time now to come watch me.”

“They were really happy after the Truck race,” Larson continued. “My dad’s a crier so he was up in the stands tearing up.”

“They were really excited and happy that I did good in my first start.”

For fans who want to get to know the young Larson, he has two surprises to share. The first is his passions off the track and the other is his interesting exercise regimen, or lack thereof.

“These past few weeks, I raced every day,” Larson said. “I don’t get a lot of free time but when I do, I’m out fishing.”

“During the winter, I like to go snowboarding when I can,” Larson continued. “I’m not good at it but I like going down the mountain.”

“I’m also really skinny but I love to eat,” Larson continued. “And no, I don’t work out at all.”

“I worked out a few times this year with Rev Racing but then I started racing so I didn’t have time,” Larson said. “I don’t get tired though.”

“That’s what I think people would find surprising about me,” Larson said. “I never get winded. I think it’s just because I stay calm.”

Finally, the young racer is simply enjoying his time in the sun, especially during his Truck debut.

“That’s really the first time I’ve ever raced with all that media around,” Larson said. “So that was cool to get interviewed.”

“I really did feel like a super star.”

Brandon Watson continues stellar career with third career OSCAAR victory at Sunset Speedway

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SM Staff

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July 2, 2012

Brandon Watson - OSCAAR — Photo Credit: Ashley McCubbin

[media-credit id=4 align=”alignright” width=”266″][/media-credit]On Saturday June 30th, Brandon Watson crossed the finish line first to score his third career OSCAAR victory at Sunset Speedway in the inaugural Lucie Aylwin memorial presented by Rival Office Solutions. It marked his second win of the 2012 season as he won back at Sunset Speedway on May 20th. He will try to complete the Sunset trifecta when the OSCAAR Super Late Models return to Sunset in September.

Watson has impressed many throughout his young career to date as he won the 2008 Kawartha/Capital City Speedway Summer Shootout Series championship at the age of 15. While most late model drivers hit their peak in their early 20s, Watson was racing in the Late Models as a teenager and winning big events.

The biggest event for Ontario short track racing is the Autumn Colors Classic, which happens on Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend in October. Watson has impressed each year that he has gone down to Peterborough Speedway for the event, always in contention to win.

In 2009, he competed in three seperate divisions – the OSCAAR Super Late Model 50-lapper, the Pro Late Model (PLM) 113 lapper and Limited Late Model (LLM) 75 lapper. He came home with a victory in both the PLM and LLM event, while finishing second in the OSCAAR race.

In 2010, he competed in two divisions – OSCAAR and PLM. He won the OSCAAR race for his first career OSCAAR victory while finishing seventh in the PLM race after being involved in a wreck that destroyed the front of his car.

The 2012 season marks Watson’s first full-time season in the OSCAAR Super Late Model Series and with the win at Sunset, he now leads the points, 17 points over veteran Derrick Tiemersma.

“Hoping to get a few more wins under my belt, maybe take home that championship,” he says.

With his whole family being involved in racing, the Stayner, Ontario driver started racing go-karts at the age of eight.

“My father took me and he also raced too, which got me into racing,” he said last month. “I just followed in his footsteps. Always knew I was going to race.”

From there, he moved up to the four cylinder class before moving up to Late Model. Watson has raced Late Models across Ontario, winning premiere events. He ran full-time in the JEGS/CRA Late Model Series last season, finishing seventh in points. He also competed in the World Series at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida this past February, having success with top five finishes.

When he is not behind the wheel of an OSCAAR this year, he will be racing his late model. Watson plans on competiting in all four events for the McColl Racing Enterprises Pro Series at Sunset Speedway. He also plans to run his late model this year at Kawartha’s Summer Sizzler, Delaware’s Summer Showdown, Sauble’s Dash for Cash and Peterborough’s Autumn Colors.

George Wilson would finish second to Watson at Sunset in the OSCAAR feature, followed by Jeff Hanley, Gary Passer and Dave Taylor. Todd Campbell finished sixth, followed by Charlie Gallant, Glenn Watson, Tiemersma and Chris Burrows. The qualifying heats were won by Wilson, Hanley, Gallant and Campbell. The next race for the OSCAAR Super Late Models is this weekend at Sauble Speedway.

Krishtian Buescher: Living in a Racing World

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SM Staff

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July 2, 2012

Krishtian Buescher has been around racing since she was eight years old. Krishtian is the wife of NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) driver, James Buescher. They got married during this past off-season and she spends almost every weekend at the race track.

James was very close to winning last year’s NCWTS championship. He finished third in the series standings, just 29 points out. He has won three races the season. He won the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) race at Daytona in February. Then he won the NCWTS events at Kansas Speedway in April and then Thursday night at Kentucky Speedway.

Krishtian has been by his side for every one of his wins. Almost every truck race on SPEED you can see the cameras showing Krishtian’s smiling face.

Recently I was able to interview Krishtian and below are the questions and her responses.

Question 1: How did you and James meet?

“James and I both used to drive legends cars, so we met racing against each other at ‘lil TMS (Texas Motor Speedway).”

Question 2: What’s your favorite quality about James?

“How humble he is.”

Question 3: Is there a certain quality you don’t like about James?

‘”When I’m telling a story, he always interrupts me!!!!!!.”

Question 4: Was racing a part of your life growing up?

“Yes, my parents owned a dirt track when I was little. I’ve been a part of racing since I was 8 years old.”

Question 5: How important is family to you and James?

“Family is VERY important to both James and I. Anytime that we have the chance to spend time with family we do.”

Question 6: How was your wedding?

“Our wedding was AMAZING!! There was not a thing about it that was not perfect.”

Question 7: What do you like to do when you’re not at the track?

“I enjoy working our flowerbeds, volunteering at our church and spending time with friends and family.”

Question 8: What’s the toughest part about being on the road almost every weekend?

“We don’t get to see our family and friends as much as we would like.”

Question 9: Which tracks do you enjoy the most to go to and which ones the least?

“I enjoy Bristol the most because the racing is so close. The least I would have to say Daytona and Talladega because of the unknown”

Question 10: Do you ever get nervous during races?

“I do at the super speedways and also if James is leading and it is coming down to the end.”

Question 11: What’s your favorite travel destination?

“Herradura, Costa Rica.”

Question 12: Which one of James’ win did you enjoy the most?

“Last night! Kentucky was awesome!! I was actually able to enjoy the moment. Daytona was kind of a blur and then I was not in Kansas.”

Question 13: Do you and James like to hang out with any other driver’s and their wives?

“We enjoy hanging out with T.J Bell and his girlfriend Alexis Gamboa, Justin and Ashley Allgaier, Brian Ickler and his girlfriend Christie Sloan and Miguel and Patricia Paludo. “

Question 14: What’s some advice you would give to someone on life based on some of your experiences?

“No matter what happens always stay strong in your faith. God will lead you in the direction he wants you to go.”

Question 15: Do you enjoy interaction with NASCAR fans?

“I love it!!! They are all a blast.”

Question 16: What would a championship mean to you and James and Turner Motorsports?

“A championship would be accomplishing the goals that we have all set out do!!”

Krishtian was a blast to interview and I hope everyone who read this learned a little bit more about the Buescher’s. You can follow Krishtian on twitter- @Kris_Buescher .

The Final Word – Daytona will be all about winning…… period

By

Ron Thornton

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July 2, 2012

[media-credit name=”Adam Lovelace” align=”alignright” width=”230″][/media-credit]Kentucky might have had its traffic troubles a year ago, but Brad Keselowski managed to make his way to the front Saturday night to pretty much ensure himself a shot at the title. While he moved into tenth place in the standings, it is the fact that Kentucky marked his third win of the season that has the lad sitting pretty. Three should earn at least a wildcard berth, so mission accomplished.

Two wins once gave a man confidence in his future, but an engine sensor plagued Tony Stewart early, sent him to the garage and eventually he wound up 32nd, 31 laps off the pace. Tony is 9th in the standings, and still in good shape, but not untouchable. A lot of guys need to start touching him soon, or their own dreams for the crown will come to an end about two months early.

Right now, it seems the top ten are a near lock, barring some bad things happening, leaving victories as the only path to redemption. Chase placers Matt Kenseth (7th on Saturday), Dale Earnhardt Jr (4th), Jimmie Johnson (6th), Kevin Harvick (11th), Denny Hamlin (3rd), Clint Bowyer (16th), and Martin Truex Jr (8th) all either had good days or at least not a terrible one. Greg Biffle was 21st, but he remains within 25 points of Kenseth at the top. Carl Edwards, winless and 11th, 34 points out of the top ten, is about at a place where a Top Ten in a race means nothing if that place is not first.

So, the fact Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon, and Kyle Busch had Top Tens Saturday means almost nothing when it comes to being a November contender. They did not win. Kyle has a win and a tenuous hold of a wildcard invite. Kahne, Ryan Newman, and Joey Logano each have a victory and are all tied in points for the other one. It does not get any closer than that.

As they return to Daytona, all those in the top ten will be retaining their Chase berths when they leave. They can’t be caught, as both Stewart and Keselowski have their wins as a cushion even if things went totally down the toilet. That leaves only the wildcard spots. Edwards wins, and he gets one for the moment. If he doesn’t, he needs either Stewart or Keselowski to be in the garage before even Joe Nemechek to peg enough points to climb up. A win for Paul Menard, Gordon, or Marcos Ambrose might be enough to move them up, depending on what happens to Rowdy, Kasey, Ryan, and Joey.

Daytona will not be about 43 drivers, or even those thus far having the best seasons. It is all about winning, with all eyes on four gents with a single win, four who need one, and the two spots all eight are gunning for. Then again, if Jamie McMurray or Juan Pablo Montoya win, things would get even more complicated, but first they all must make like Charlie Sheen and win, baby. Win at Daytona. Enjoy the week.

Austin Dillon Wins Kentucky

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SM Staff

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July 2, 2012

[media-credit name=”Adam Lovelace” align=”alignright” width=”236″][/media-credit]Sparta, KY- Friday night Richard Childress Racing’s No. 3 again saw Victory Lane but this time it was young driver Austin Dillon who it to Victory Lane for the first time in his Nationwide Series career.

“Dale would be proud,” Childress said. “I know he would.”

Dillon had also failed post race inspection because to wedge jack bolt backed out. He was fined six driver points and was knocked down to second in points. Crew Chief Danny Stockman Jr was fined $10,000 and placed on probation until December 31st. Morgan Shepard was fined six owner points. Car chief Robert Strmiska has also been placed on probation until December 31st. None of that spoiled the celebration.

“I love running the 3. It’s fun. It pushes me each and every week to give 110 percent'” Dillon said. “That’s what our guys do and I think that has something to do with the number. Not many people have a special number that pushes them. We can say that we have a number that has pressure behind that makes us run good each and every week.”
The slanted No. 3 will most likely never appear in Cup again.

“I look at the 3 as a family,” Childress said. “I drove it. I didn’t do near as good as these drivers did. It’s special because you have so many fans that want to see the 3, and then you have some that question running the 3. I wouldn’t let anyone else other than an Earnhardt or a Dillon drive the 3.”

The last time the No. 3 went to victory lane in the Nationwide Series was July 2010when it was driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Starland in as crew chief for RBR Enterprises NCWTS entry

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SM Archive

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July 2, 2012

Denny Hamlin Re-Signs With Joe Gibbs Racing

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SM Staff

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July 2, 2012

[media-credit name=”Brian Douglas” align=”alignright” width=”300″][/media-credit]On Saturday night, Denny Hamlin announced on Twitter that he has resigned to continue racing the No. 11 FedEx Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. Hamlin, who sits 8th in the 2012 Sprint Cup Series points, has spent his entire career with Joe Gibbs Racing.

“I consider myself very lucky to be with a team and a sponsor that want me,” Hamlin said. “You look around the garage and guys can’t get rides because of sponsorship problems, or they have taken pay cuts, or they aren’t as competitive as they could be because the budget isn’t there. I’ve got a great situation and I don’t see how changing teams could get any better.”

Hamlin did not state how many more years he signed for, but he does believe there isn’t any better teams teams out there for him.

“I want to win races and championships. I don’t want to collect a bigger check and not be able to win trophies at the same time,” Hamlin said. “I don’t see anything that wouldn’t be a step down or a lateral move. I’m happy at JGR, and I didn’t see any reason not to get a deal done right now.”

Gary McLean makes it three-for-three in the OSCAAR Modifieds at Peterborough Speedway

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SM Staff

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July 2, 2012

[media-credit id=4 align=”alignright” width=”274″][/media-credit]In the first two events of the 2012 OSCAAR Modified tour, Gary McLean won them both. Though he would have his work cut out for him in Peterborough after trouble in one of the qualifying heats.

OSCAAR Modified Points Leader Gary McLean would win the first heat, followed by Ted Patterson, Brent McLean and Justin Demelo.

Darren Kearnen would win the second heat, followed by Brad Pearsall, Josh Gruntz, Steve Smith, Tim Burke, Dave Hassel and Adam Adams.

Demelo would win the third heat, followed by Brandon Crumbie, John Harper, Patterson, Brent McLean, Brian McLean and Dave Terry. Gary McLean would get spun off turn four by Brent McLean and collect some damage to the right side, including a flat tire.

Burke would win the third heat, followed by Smith, Pearsall, Gruntz, Darren Kearnen, Hassel and Adams.

Virtue of his qualifying effort, Justin Demelo would start on the pole, followed by Darren Kearnen, Tim Patterson, Bill Pearsall and Steve Smith.

There’d a caution right away on lap one as Pearsall would send Demlo into the grass while Brent McLean went for a spin. As a result, Kearnen would take over the lead, followed by Smith, Patterson, Tim Burke and Gary McLean.

There’d a caution on the restart as Brent McLean and Dave Hassel would make contact.

On the next restart, Kearnen would get the jump to keep the lead, now over Pearsall, Burke, Smith and Gary McLean.

The third caution would come out on lap five as Brian McLean would get into the grass.

On the restart, the action would pick up quickly in the battle behind Keanon as Pearsall, Smith and Burke would go three-wide for second. Smith was able to pick up two positions to now run second behind Kearnen. Meanwhile, Gary McLean was up to third by lap 10, followed by Brent McLean and now Newman back to fifth.

At the halfway mark on lap 15, Smith and Gary McLean would both get by Kearnen for first and second. On lap 16, Pearsall fell out of the top 10 as he would passed by John Harper for fifth, followed by Josh Gruntz, Demelo, Patterson, Davey Terry and Adam Adams.

Meanwhile, Brandon Crumbie would pit with a flat tire. The caution would come out as Crumbie was on pit road for Gruntz hitting the turn one wall hard with the backend after contact from Patterson.

On the restart, Smith kept the lead over Gary McLean, Brent McLean, Demelo and Kearnen. Demelo would try to get by Brent McLean for third on lap 21, but wasn’t able to make the pass. Gary McLean would get beside Smith for the lead on lap 25, as the caution came out for Terry spinning.

On the restart, Gary McLean would get the lead while Brent McLean and Smith would spin battling for second. Brian McLean would also spin on the backstretch, though would be deemed after the caution so he got his spot back.

With five to go, this would set Gary McLean as the lead over Demelo, Kearnen, Crumbie and Brian McLean.

On the final lap, Patterson would pit with a flat tire as Gary McLean would take the checkered flag for his third straight win. Justin Demelo would finish in the second position. They will now start the Autumn Colors OSCAAR Modified feature first and second in October.

Darren Kearnen and Brandon Crumbie finished third and fourth so they will start no furhter back than 13th and 14th come October. They will have an opportunity to improve their starting positon through the qualifying heats.

Brian McLean finished fifth, followed by Brad Pearsall, Dave Terry, Steve Smith and Adam Adams.

The next race for the OSCAAR Modifieds is a 30-lapper at Sauble Speedway on July 7th.