Larson dominates World of Outlaw event at Attica; Sebetto returns to 305 victory lane
By Brian Liskai
ATTICA, Ohio – Kyle Larson put on a driving clinic at Attica Raceway Park Friday, May 20 for the Kistler Engines Classic. The Elk Grove, California native and defending NASCAR champion, changed his restart tactics after every yellow flag and dominated the 40-lap World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series feature for the $10,000 payday.
The victory was the fourth career win at Attica for Larson, his 25th World of Outlaws win and second series win of 2022.
“I let one slip away earlier this week so it’s great to rebound with this win. Paul Silva has this car running so good. I was nervous with Carson (Macedo) starting along side of me so I tried to change it up on every restart. I love racing in Ohio and Attica…these fans are amazing,” said Larson beside his Finley Farms/Tarlton & Son/Folkens Bros. Trucking/FloRacing/JVI Group backed #57.
Macedo challenged Larson on every restart but after a couple of laps Larson was always able to pull away. The second place finish for the Lemoore, California racer was even more special as his crew chief, Phil Dietz and his wife Brooke were home with their new born baby.
“My guys stepped up tonight. We were able to communicate with Phillip who is enjoying being a new dad so it really was a total team effort. Kyle is just so good and his timing on the restarts…he did something different each time and after a lap or two I just couldn’t stay with him,” said Macedo of his Albaugh Your Alternative/MVT/Tarlton & Son/Saich Family/Liquid Trucking backed #41.
For Australian James McFadden, the third place finish after a wild race-long battle with Sheldon Haudenschild and Brad Sweet, was a huge step in the right direction for his Roth Motorsports team.
“It felt like we went from ninth to fifth back to ninth back to third every lap. It’s been a rough couple of weeks and it feels good for the team to get a podium finish. The longer we raced the better I got tonight,” said McFadden beside his Roth Enterprises/HR Livestock Transportation backed #83.
Fremont, Ohio’s Bryan Sebetto was out of racing for nearly four years. Then he went to a local race and the bug bit him again. He teamed up with long-time friends to put a 305 sprint car together and it paid off as he led all 25 laps for a $1,000 payday. It was Sebetto’s 13th career win in the 305 sprints at Attica.
“I stayed away from racing because I knew if I went I’d want to get back in. Sure enough, we went to the Jim Ford Classic last year and I told my wife I wanted to race and she said go for it. Kevin, Seth and all the guys have been such a huge help and I finally got to team up with Guy Myers as crew chief,” said Sebetto beside his Precision Overwatch, Depot Pizza, JLH General Contractor, Queen of Clean, KH Suspension, CA Kustoms backed #01.
Logan Schuchart and Larson brought the field to green for the 40-lap World of Outlaws feature with Larson rocketing out to the lead over Schuchart, Macedo, Sheldon Haudenschild, Brad Sweet, Spencer Bayston and David Gravel. Larson quickly displayed his dominance, pulling away to an over two second lead in just four laps. But, the battle behind him was entertaining involving Schuchart, Macedo, Haudenschild and Gravel. Macedo and Schuchart traded the runner-up spot lap after lap.
Larson found the back of the pack by lap eight while Schuchart and Macedo continued to battle hard for second with Haudenschild and Gravel doing likewise for fourth. Gravel’s night took a turn for the worse on lap 11 as his mount suffered a flat right rear tire. On the double file restart Macedo dove to Larson’s inside but could not complete the pass and “Young Money” drove away from the field.
Heavy lapped traffic came into play at the half way point with Larson leading Macedo, Haudenschild, Schuchart, Sweet and Buddy Kofoid. A caution on lap 21 for Spencer Bayston gave Macedo another opportunity at Larson but Larson was just too strong. There were two drivers on the move though, 18th starter Craig Mintz and 19th starter Jacob Allen who had worked their way into the top 10.
Another caution on lap 25 gave Macedo another opportunity but Larson was just too strong as he drove away as Sweet moved into third. A caution for Ian Madsen on lap 29 saw the running order Larson, Macedo, Haudenschild, Sweet, McFadden, Mintz and Allen. The final caution flew on lap 31 but once again Larson got a terrific restart and drove away to the win with Macedo second and a wild battle the last five laps for third went to McFadden over Haudenschild and Sweet.
Sebetto grabbed the lead at the drop of the green for the 305 A-main but last week’s winner Matt Foos stayed close with Bryce Lucius, Kasey Jedrzejek and Paul Weaver battling hard for third. Following a lap four caution, Sebetto got an excellent restart while Foos had to contend with Jedrzejek and Weaver. A caution on lap nine gave Foos another shot but Sebetto maintained the lead.
By lap 10 Sebetto held only a two car length advantage but Foos had his hands full with Weaver and Jamie Miller. Over the next 10 laps Sebetto maintained a slight advantage as Foos and Weaver traded the runner-up spot lap after lap. A caution with six laps to go gave Foos and Weaver a shot at Sebetto but he was too strong and drove to the win over Foos, Weaver, Miller and Jedrzejek.
Attica Raceway Park will be back in action Friday, May 27 on True Alpha Wealthy Management/Steinle Chevrolet-Buick Night.. It’s mid-season championship with double points on the line for the 410 sprints ($4,000 to win), UMP late models ($2,000 to win) and the 305 sprints ($1,000 to win) in action.
For more information go to www.atticaracewaypark.comor follow the track on Twitter @atticaracewyprk or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atticaracewaypark and Instagram at attica_raceway_park.
Category: Series
