Speedway, Indiana (WISH) – Kyle Larson, a NASCAR Cup Series driver, has spent a lot of time at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this season.
That’s because Larson competed in the Indy 500 two months ago, giving him his first taste of May as a driver.
He returns to the renowned oval this weekend to compete in the Brickyard 400.
“It is absolutely amazing to be here,” Larson told News 8 Sports’ Andrew Chernoff. “Being back on the oval in a stock car is a lot of fun.”
During Friday’s first Brickyard 400 practice, the Hendrick Motorsports driver set the sixth-fastest time. Larson’s fastest lap was 180.774 mph. He’ll be hoping it converts into a favourable starting position on Sunday, as he had for May’s Indianapolis 500.
He qualified sixth for the Indy 500, averaging 232.788 mph over four laps.”As far as driving the cars on the circuit, I think people would be surprised when I say the stock car seems significantly faster around here, since it has a lot less grip,” Larson explained. “It’s much sketchier around here in a stock car than in an IndyCar. “I’m far more nervous about this than we were in May.”
Larson eventually finished in 18th place in the Indianapolis 500. However, his experience in May continues to have an influence on him.
“I’ve always had a great love for this place (IMS), but I think living through the Indy 500 and experiencing all of the tradition firsthand, and getting to experience a lot of the stuff, being a rookie, and all that, you definitely have a fantastic perspective on things,” Larson said. “So, I had a good time and, as I’ve mentioned several times, I hope to do it again.”
Larson is one of four drivers to have won three races this NASCAR Cup Series season. He is currently second place in the standings.
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