{"id":42617,"date":"2023-05-21T22:59:12","date_gmt":"2023-05-22T03:59:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=42617"},"modified":"2023-05-21T23:00:08","modified_gmt":"2023-05-22T04:00:08","slug":"kyle-larson-spanks-the-field-in-nascar-all-star-race-at-north-wilkesboro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2023\/05\/21\/kyle-larson-spanks-the-field-in-nascar-all-star-race-at-north-wilkesboro\/","title":{"rendered":"Kyle Larson spanks the field in NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>

Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates with the one million dollar check in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 21, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

By Reid Spencer<\/em><\/p>\n

NASCAR Wire Service <\/em><\/p>\n

NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. \u2013 Kyle Larson\u2019s third victory in the Sunday\u2019s NASCAR All-Star Race was a case of absolute dominance.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 21, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Sean Gardner\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

It was also a case study in strategy at revitalized North Wilkesboro Speedway, with the eventual winning move made on Lap 18 of 200.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s when Larson\u2019s crew chief, Cliff Daniels called his driver to the pits under caution for a fresh set of tires. Even though Larson incurred a speeding penalty exiting pit road and restarted from the rear, he charged through the field on new rubber and took the lead from Daniel Suarez on Lap 55.<\/p>\n

From that point on, it was game over.<\/p>\n

Having won previous All-Star Races at Charlotte and Texas, Larson is the only driver to win the $1-million top prize at three different venues. Larson is tied with Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon for second most victories in the exhibition event, one behind Jimmie Johnson\u2019s four triumphs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, poses next to his winner sticker in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 21, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

Not only that. The win gave Larson a sweep of NASCAR events at the reborn .625-mile short track. On Saturday he won the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race in NASCAR\u2019s return to North Wilkesboro for the first time since 1996.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can’t even tell you what it means,\u201d Larson said. \u201cThis is my third All-Star win and my third different track. In a historical place like that, you guys and the crowd made this weekend so awesome. We could feel the atmosphere all weekend.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo much fun there. That was an old-school ass whipping, for sure. We had a great car on the long run there and was just thinking for sure there was going to be a caution. I got out to a big lead, and I could see everybody’s cars were driving like crap in front of me, but I cannot thank this 5 team enough.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, and Daniel Suarez, driver of the #99 Trackhouse Motorplex Chevrolet, lead the field during the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 21, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWe were God awful all weekend. Practice I was like the worst on 30-lap average, went backwards in a heat race yesterday. We obviously had some strategy work out there in the beginning, but we drove from dead last to the lead and checked out by 12 or 13 seconds (before the competition caution at Lap 101). Then I just could pace myself there that last run.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once Larson grabbed the top spot, he held it the rest of the way, except for one lap under the competition caution led by Suarez. In a race that saw three lead changes among two drivers, Larson led 145 laps to Suarez\u2019s 55.<\/p>\n

Comfortably in front after a restart on Lap 111, Larson crossed the finish line 4.537 seconds ahead of runner-up Bubba Wallace, who duplicated Larson\u2019s Lap 18 pit stop strategy but couldn\u2019t match the speed of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

A general view of racing during the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 21, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cNo, just his capability throughout the whole run, he could attack hard and then have something there at the end,\u201d Wallace said of Larson\u2019s superior performance. \u201cIf this was any other race, I’d be excited, but for a million dollars to come up short and walk home with nothing\u2026 <\/p>\n

\u201cTail tucked between our legs, but all in all, just continuing to ride the momentum train\u2026 Just have to keep it going. Now we show back up to home turf (for next Sunday\u2019s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway) and really got to keep the momentum going there and get ourselves deeper into the Playoffs.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcited to be where we’re at right now. Just came up one spot short.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Daniel Suarez, driver of the #99 Trackhouse Motorplex Chevrolet, leads the field to the green flag to start the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 21, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Sean Gardner\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

Tyler Reddick finished third, followed by Chase Briscoe and Chase Elliott. Ryan Blaney, Suarez, Erik Jones, Ty Gibbs and Joey Logano completed the top 10. <\/p>\n

In an emotionally charged NASCAR All-Star Open, Josh Berry and Ty Gibbs transferred into the main event, but in Gibbs\u2019 case, not without bruising Michael McDowell\u2019s feelings.<\/p>\n

Subbing for injured Alex Bowman, Berry beat Gibbs to the finish line in the 100-lap event by .571 seconds, as the top two drivers advanced (along with Fan Vote winner Noah Gragson). But Berry likely would not have held the lead were it not for McDowell.<\/p>\n

On Lap 50, contact from Gibbs\u2019 Toyota turned McDowell\u2019s Ford into the Chevrolet of Justin Haley after McDowell had gained positions on the restart following a competition caution. On Lap 78 McDowell got even. As Gibbs attempted to lap the Front Row Motorsports driver, McDowell squeezed the No. 54 Toyota into the inside wall.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, leads the field during the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 21, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Sean Gardner\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

The contact broke Gibbs\u2019 momentum and allowed Berry to pass for the lead, which the driver of the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet held the rest of the way.<\/p>\n

\u201cI kind of understand (McDowell\u2019s) frustration,\u201d Gibbs said, \u201cbut at Martinsville, we were running 18th, and they clobbered us and wrecked us, so I think it\u2019s honestly fair game.\u201d<\/p>\n

McDowell believes Gibbs has some lessons to learn.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s short-track racing to try to get into the All-Star Race, so somebody\u2019s going to leave with hurt feelings\u2014I guess it\u2019s me,\u201d McDowell said. \u201cI got a great restart there, kind of worked the outside, got a couple of guys and was able to get down, and Ty just plowed into me, just knocked me into the 31 (Haley) and spun us both out\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cAll that stuff comes around, man. You can get away with it a few times, but it comes around. I don\u2019t have the budget for the fine. Otherwise, I would not be standing here. I\u2019d be standing down there (confronting Gibbs on pit road).\u201d<\/p>\n

Unable to get to Gibbs\u2019 bumper in the closing laps, Aric Almirola finished third in the Open. Ryan Preece was fourth, followed by AJ Allmendinger, J.J. Yeley and Gragson.<\/p>\n

Interviews:<\/h3>\n

NASCAR All-Star Race Winning Driver Kyle Larson, Crew Chief Cliff Daniels and Hendrick Motorsports President Jeff Andrews – <\/p>\nhttp:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/NWSSMPresser52123.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

 <\/p>\n

Speedway Motorsports CEO and President Marcus Smith and Executive Director of the NASCAR All-Star Race Jessica Fickenscher –<\/p>\nhttp:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/NWSLarsonDanielsAndrews52123.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

 <\/p>\n

NASCAR Cup Series Race – NASCAR All-Star Open<\/b><\/p>\n

North Wilkesboro Speedway<\/b><\/p>\n

North Wilkesboro, North Carolina<\/b><\/p>\n

Sunday, May 21, 2023<\/b><\/p>\n

                1. (2)  Josh Berry(i), Chevrolet, 100.<\/p>\n

                2. (1)  Ty Gibbs #, Toyota, 100.<\/p>\n

                3. (9)  Aric Almirola, Ford, 100.<\/p>\n

                4. (8)  Ryan Preece, Ford, 100.<\/p>\n

                5. (10)  AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 100.<\/p>\n

                6. (16)  JJ Yeley(i), Ford, 100.<\/p>\n

                7. (15)  Noah Gragson #, Chevrolet, 100.<\/p>\n

                8. (12)  Ty Dillon, Chevrolet, 100.<\/p>\n

                9. (3)  Corey LaJoie, Chevrolet, 100.<\/p>\n

                10. (11)  Josh Bilicki(i), Chevrolet, 100.<\/p>\n

                11. (4)  Harrison Burton, Ford, 100.<\/p>\n

                12. (14)  Ryan Newman, Ford, 97.<\/p>\n

                13. (6)  Michael McDowell, Ford, 97.<\/p>\n

                14. (5)  Justin Haley, Chevrolet, Accident, 58.<\/p>\n

                15. (7)  Todd Gilliland, Ford, Accident, 52.<\/p>\n

                16. (13)  Chandler Smith(i), Chevrolet, Accident, 49.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average Speed of Race Winner:  80.128 mph.<\/p>\n

Time of Race:  0 Hrs, 46 Mins, 48 Secs. Margin of Victory:  .571 Seconds.<\/p>\n

Caution Flags:  3 for 18 laps.<\/p>\n

Lead Changes:  5 among 3 drivers.<\/p>\n

Lap Leaders:   T. Gibbs # 1-43;J. Berry(i) 44-55;J. Haley 56;J. Berry(i) 57-67;T. Gibbs # 68-77;J. Berry(i) 78-100.<\/p>\n

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led):  Ty Gibbs # 2 times for 53 laps; Josh Berry(i) 3 times for 46 laps; Justin Haley 1 time for 1 lap.<\/p>\n

NASCAR Cup Series Race – NASCAR All-Star Race<\/b><\/p>\n

North Wilkesboro Speedway<\/b><\/p>\n

North Wilkesboro, North Carolina<\/b><\/p>\n

Sunday, May 21, 2023<\/b><\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    1. (16)  Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 200.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    2. (10)  Bubba Wallace, Toyota, 200.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    3. (20)  Tyler Reddick, Toyota, 200.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    4. (5)  Chase Briscoe, Ford, 200.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    5. (13)  Chase Elliott, Chevrolet, 200.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    6. (11)  Ryan Blaney, Ford, 200.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    7. (1)  Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet, 200.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    8. (21)  Erik Jones, Chevrolet, 200.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    9. (23)  Ty Gibbs #, Toyota, 200.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    10. (3)  Joey Logano, Ford, 200.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    11. (18)  Ross Chastain, Chevrolet, 200.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    12. (7)  Christopher Bell, Toyota, 200.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    13. (9)  Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 199.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    14. (12)  Martin Truex Jr., Toyota, 199.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    15. (22)  Josh Berry(i), Chevrolet, 199.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    16. (2)  Chris Buescher, Ford, 199.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    17. (4)  Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 199.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    18. (15)  Kevin Harvick, Ford, 198.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    19. (8)  Brad Keselowski, Ford, 198.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    20. (6)  William Byron, Chevrolet, 198.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    21. (17)  Austin Cindric, Ford, 198.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    22. (14)  Kyle Busch, Chevrolet, 198.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    23. (24)  Noah Gragson #, Chevrolet, 197.<\/p>\n

\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002\u2002    24. (19)  Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet, 196.<\/p>\n

Average Speed of Race Winner:  92.612 mph.<\/p>\n

Time of Race:  1 Hrs, 20 Mins, 59 Secs. Margin of Victory:  4.537 Seconds.<\/p>\n

Caution Flags:  2 for 13 laps.<\/p>\n

Lead Changes:  3 among 2 drivers.<\/p>\n

Lap Leaders:   D. Suarez 1-54;K. Larson 55-103;D. Suarez 104;K. Larson 105-200.<\/p>\n

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led):  Kyle Larson 2 times for 145 laps; Daniel Suarez 2 times for 55 laps.<\/p>\n

Stage #1 Top Ten: 5,23,45,14,9,12,99,43,54,22<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  By Reid Spencer NASCAR Wire Service  NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. \u2013 Kyle Larson\u2019s third victory in the Sunday\u2019s NASCAR All-Star Race was a case of absolute dominance. It was also a case study in strategy at revitalized North Wilkesboro Speedway, with the eventual winning move made on Lap 18 of 200. That\u2019s when Larson\u2019s crew […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":676,"featured_media":42632,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11],"tags":[225,16,774],"class_list":["post-42617","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nascar","tag-kyle-larson","tag-nascar","tag-north-wilkesboro-speedway"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/GettyImages-1492175030-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1769&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-b5n","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42617","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/676"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42617"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42617\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42633,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42617\/revisions\/42633"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42632"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42617"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42617"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42617"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}