Kyle Larson had quite the day on Sunday.
Larson flew to North Wilkesboro Speedway to compete in the NASCAR All-Star Race shortly after qualifying fifth for the 108th Indianapolis 500. If it seems like a long day, it was for Larson, but one he is immensely pleased of.
“Yeah, it was a long day, but it was definitely memorable,” Larson told NASCAR Race Hub on Monday. “I was happy of all we’ve accomplished here at the [Indianapolis Motor] Speedway, as well as the way we ran our race in North Wilkesboro. Despite not being present for practice and having never been on that circuit before with the repave, I felt like I was able to get up to speed quite quickly, and our team positioned themselves in the best possible position to win the race.”
Larson’s schedule will eventually become more manageable. This week, however, is not the time for that. Larson will seek to become the fifth driver to complete the Indianapolis-Charlotte Double on Sunday. After the Indy 500, Larson will go to Charlotte to compete in the Coca-Cola 600. The green flag for the Indy 500 will fly about 12:45 p.m. ET, with the Coca-Cola 600 starting at 6 p.m.
Kyle Larson competes with leads during the last segment of the NASCAR All-Star Race.
During the last section of the 200-lap All-Star Race, it appeared that Larson would give Joey Logano a run for his money, $1 million to be exact. After pitting for the red “option” tires, Larson quickly worked his way through the field, eventually finishing third. Then his velocity halted. He failed to pass Denny Hamlin for second place and quickly fell behind.
He battled with Chris Buescher for third place but was passed by the RFK Racing driver on the penultimate lap. Larson officially completed P4.
“We just didn’t have the car balance to go with it, but I thought we were on the right strategy putting those option tires on that final segment,” Larson stated. “I quickly moved up to third place and felt I was going to win, but as I previously stated, the car balance was simply not there. Joey and Denny were excellent, and the few of guys behind us were far superior to me in the long run. Unfortunately, we did not win, but we are pleased with the outcome.
