Hendrick Motorsports Kyle Larson in the No.5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 says that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is such a prestigious place after claiming his maiden Brickyard 400 victory on Sunday.
The 31 year old made a late charge in the race following an unscheduled pit-stop to come from 12th to take the victory in dramatic fashion.
This is just such a prestigious place, such hallowed ground. “Pretty neat just to get an opportunity to race here on the oval again. What a job by our team. Never gave up at all. We just fought and dug and had things work out.
Addressing the crowd, Larson said:
“I love all you Indiana fans, and I know you guys love me, too. How about we come back next May and try to kiss these bricks in an Indy car? I think everything comes full circle, and everything’s meant to be. And today definitely felt meant to be for us.
Larson’s last race here, the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge in May ended with an 18th place finish.
Larson’s car needed a bump start from a tow truck on the front straightaway to restart after the red flag period ended. At the restart on Lap 166, Larson and Blaney made side-to-side contact before Turn 1, with Larson pulling ahead and staying out front down the back straightaway. Meanwhile, the No. 41 HaasTooling.com Ford of Ryan Preece spun in Turn 2 and was mired in the infield grass in Turn 2.
Larson concluded saying:
With the way the strategy was working out, with Brad running out of fuel and me inheriting the front row and all that, just a lot had to fall into place. “Thankfully it did. I just can’t believe it. It’s surreal to win here.”
Larson heads into the Olympics break leading he regular season championship by ten points from his teammate Chase Elliott.
The next NASCAR Cup Series event is at Richmond Raceway on August 11.