NASCAR rising star Larson eyes return
Kyle Larson said dehydration was to blame for him fainting during an autograph session — an episode that led to two nights in the hospital and forced him to miss the race at Martinsville Speedway.
Larson on Thursday was medically cleared to return to competition beginning next weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. NASCAR does not race this week.
The 22-year old fainted Saturday at Martinsville, and was taken that night by helicopter to a hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina, for testing. Although Larson said he felt fine from the moment he came to, he was hospitalized until late Monday as doctors performed multiple tests on last year’s rookie of the yea r.
“It was just kind of a weird morning just because I was almost late to practice, so I just rushed myself that morning and didn’t take very good care of myself throughout the day and just ended up dehydrating myself,” Larson said in a conference call Thursday.
Larson, who became a first-time father in December, said he had made it to the end of the autograph session without any issues, but began feeling lightheaded as he talked to the last fan remaining. He said he tried to lean forward to feel better, then passed out.
Larson is considered to be one of NASCAR’s next superstars, and his talent level has been praised by series champions Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart long before he ever made it to the Sprint Cup Series.
DEVELOPMENTS
RCR appeals Newman penalties: Richard Childress Racing has appealed the penalties NASCAR levied against Ryan Newman’s team for allegedly manipulating tires.
NASCAR this week said tires taken from Newman after the March 22 race in California failed an independent inspection and had been altered to intentionally release air pressure during the race.
Crew chief Luke Lambert was fined $125,000 and suspended for the next six races. The suspension also includes the All-Star race in May. Lambert was also placed on probation through the end of the year.
Tire technician James Bender and engineer Philip Surgen were also suspended six races and placed on probation through Dec. 31.
Newman and car owner Childress were docked 75 points each.
More tracks expand safety: