Perris, California.?..Kyle Larson finished off another spectacular year and added a feather to his cap by winning Thursday night?s 72nd ?Turkey Night Grand Prix? at Perris Auto Speedway. The Elk Grove, California driver picked up his sixth win of the year in the first edition of the famed race run on dirt since 1998.
Larson tracked down Hagen and took the lead on lap 22. Shortly after, Larson?s teammate Bryan Clauson also made his way by Hagen as the leaders worked through heavy traffic. Clauson caught his teammate quickly and slid under Larson for the lead, but Larson countered every time to retain command.
The final twenty laps became a war of conservation as tires came into play. Hines continuously pressured Larson but never could solidify the top spot. On multiple occasions, Hines slid up in front of Larson only to see the 20-year old driver right back under him. Just after making a massive move to the outside of Larson, Hines came off turn-four to the white flag with a flat right-rear tire.
?I was really trying to be patient early in the race. I was worried about blistering my tires early, so I rode the bottom a little bit early. I followed Hagen for a bit before I got by him, but I was still kinda riding. Then, Bryan (Clauson) came and threw some sliders at me in the middle part of the race. I had to change my line up a little bit as the rubber came in, and I really did not want Tracy (Hines) to beat me again this year. I was looking at all the people who have won this race, A.J., Parnelli, Brent Kaeding, and it?s cool to add my name to that trophy,? Larson said.