Driven to Success

It was a birthday that Kyle Larson will never forget.

The Elk Grove teenager, a nationally-ranked driver who races open-wheeled race cars on the United States Auto Club circuit, turned 19 last week.  And Larson celebrated the best way he knew how—by winning four times and burnishing his reputation as one of the fastest drivers in the country.

“When you hit on something, luck seems to follow your way,” said Larson, this week’s Elk Grove Athlete of the Week. “I’ve been starting up front and that’s what it takes to win races.”

The teenager’s victories last week came at several prestigious races in the Midwest, including the Belleville Midget Nationals in Belleville, Kan., and the Casey’s General Stores Ultimate Challenge in Oskaloosa, Iowa. 

After his recent hot streak, Larson is now ranked third in USAC midget racing and ninth in the USAC Silver Crown series. 

For non-racing fans, here's a quick primer on the cars that Larson drives.

Midget and Silver Crown cars are small and resemble go-karts, although they’re bulkier and have more horsepower.  While it doesn't command the same following as IndyCar or Formula One, the USAC open-wheeled racing circuit is often regarded as a stepping stone for future NASCAR drivers. 

If he keeps tearing up speedways, Larson may be headed that direction.

“I’ve had a lot of young talent that was just tremendous and he’s probably one of the best ever to come along,” said Keith Kunz, who owns Larson’s USAC midget racing team.

Kunz should know.  His team’s alumni include current NASCAR drivers Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman.

Kunz said that Larson reminds him of those drivers.

“At [Larson’s] age and his experience, he’s probably a lot further ahead than those guys,” said the team owner.  “Right now, he’s the best talent there is in open-wheel cars.”

Elk Grove Patch caught up with Larson at home before he returned to the Midwest to continue his racing season.  We asked him about how he got into the sport, how he stays sharp and what the future holds.

How did you get into racing? 

I started competitively when I was seven in Outlaw Karts, in the beginner box stock division, but my dad built me a fun cart when I was four years old.  I just played around in that for a couple years until I got into real go-carts.   

Does racing run in your family?  

My parents were big fans of racing when they grew up.  They went to West Capital Speedway in West Sacramento.  When I was born, I went to my first sprint race when I was a week old.  I went to about 60 races a year, just watching.  And then when I turned four, my dad built me a cart.

This is your first season driving in the Midwest midget series.  How did you get the opportunity to race for your current team, Keith Kunz Motorsports?

[The team] had heard of me for a while and people had been telling them that I was good.  At the Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Okla. [in January], they came up to me and asked me what my plans were and all that, and I didn’t have anything going on.  They called me a couple weeks later and I told them I’d do it.

How many times have you involved in a wreck during a race?

I don’t know…a lot.  I run close to 100 times a year and I’ve raced for 12 years, so I’m sure I’ve been involved in 100 wrecks.

How do your parents feel about you participating in a potentially dangerous sport?

They’re used to it.  I think they know I love it and I’m pretty good at it, too, I guess.  You don’t really think about it being dangerous because when you start thinking about that is when stuff happens.  The cars are so safe now, it’s hard to get hurt bad. 

Can you describe some of the changes that have made racing more safe for drivers?

Now, compared to back in the day, we have full-containment seats, so they’re a lot more sturdy.  We have head and neck restraints now, instead of just a neck brace.  It keeps your neck pretty safe.  They’re coming up with seats that are molded to your back, so you don’t get back injuries.  Helmets are safer now, too.

When you were growing up, did you play any other sports?

I played baseball for a couple years when I was really young, probably five to seven years old.  But then, half the games were always on Saturdays, so then I’d have to miss half the season.  So, I chose racing over baseball.

Off the track, what kind of hobbies do you have?

During the week, when I’m not racing, I play a racing video game on the computer.  It’s called iRacing and a lot of the NASCAR guys play.  It’s a really cool game.  I don’t know if it teaches you anything, but it keeps you sharp on hand-eye coordination.  During the winter, I like to go snowboarding and hang out with friends.

Do you have any dreams of racing in NASCAR one day?

Yeah, NASCAR or IndyCar is every young driver’s goal because it’s the top of motor sports.  So, I guess if I got to that [level], it would be really cool.