From Tyler Altmeyer | allstarsprint.com
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (May 4, 2023) - In just his third sprint car start of 2023, “Yung Money” Kyle Larson is victorious with the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1, doing so in Atomic Speedway’s “The Night The Stars Come Out” which also featured the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.
Taking command just before the midpoint of the 30-lap program and never looking back, the Elk Grove, California, native, now a 28-time winner with “America’s Series,” earned a $10,000 payday for his efforts, forced to outduel two-time and reigning All Star champion, Tyler Courtney. Impressive enough, Kyle Larson is officially perfect in All Star attempts at the Chillicothe, Ohio, oval; two victories in two starts.
Larson, aboard his Folkens Brothers Trucking/Finley Farms No. 57 sprint car, took control officially on lap 13, sliding “Sunshine” and cutting the corner between turns one and two. The pair raced even at the flagstand just before Larson made his winning move; Courtney was stalled behind a slower lapped car which allowed Larson to close.
A caution on the final circuit would create some slight drama for the former NASCAR Cup Series champion, but the one lap dash proved to be no contest.
Tyler Courtney held on to finish second, followed by St. Helena, California’s Rico Abreu, “The Law Firm” Parker Price-Miller, and third-starting Cale Thomas.
“This win means a lot. I love coming to Atomic Speedway. It’s a great track and it’s always elbows up,” Kyle Larson noted. “Our car was really good for the feature. With a guy like Tyler Courtney starting up front, you have to be aggressive. I was trying to be patient and I felt like we were pretty even. I was fortunate to get a run and clear him. Cautions fell my way but I was still forced to throw some bombs in traffic. Just a great effort by everyone involved.”
Tyler Courtney led the first 12 laps before surrendering the lead to Larson.
“I just got caught,” Courtney said. “One mistake and a guy like Kyle Larson is going to capitalize. But, we’re still second. We’ve had great cars all year long. Hopefully now we can build some momentum and keep this rhythm going.”
ON DECK:
Atomic Speedway kicked-off an action-packed May agenda for the All Star Circuit of Champions that will feature nine additional events across Illinois, Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The Series will return to action at Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, Illinois, on Friday, May 12.
A-main Results (30 Laps):
1. 57-Kyle Larson [2]; 2. 7BC-Tyler Courtney [1]; 3. 24-Rico Abreu [6]; 4. 29-Parker Price Miller [10]; 5. 91-Cale Thomas [3]; 6. 19M-Brent Marks [11]; 7. 45-Tim Shaffer [4]; 8. 69K-Lance Dewease [22]; 9. 55-Hunter Schuerenberg [9]; 10. 22C-Cole Duncan [15]; 11. 5T-Travis Philo [18]; 12. 29M-Cole Macedo [16]; 13. 33W-Cap Henry [5]; 14. 4-Chris Windom [12]; 15. 5J-Jake Hesson [19]; 16. 26-Zeb Wise [8]; 17. 4S-Danny Smith [23]; 18. 99-Skylar Gee [7]; 19. 101-Kraig Kinser [17]; 20. 5-Ryan Timms [20]; 21. 52-Blake Hahn [24]; 22. 97-JJ Hickle [21]; 23. 19P-Sean Rayhall [14]; 24. A79-Brandon Wimmer [13] Lap Leaders: Tyler Courtney (1-12), Kyle Larson (13-30)
2023 All Star Circuit of Champions Driver Standings (As of 5/4):
Brent Marks - 430
Tyler Courtney - 428
Parker Price-Miller - 418
Zeb Wise - 410
Cap Henry - 400
Travis Philo - 396
Hunter Schuerenberg - 384
Chris Windom - 380
JJ Hickle - 376
Cale Thomas -372
See the full story and results:
Photo's: ASCoC