Scenes from Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott dirt-track action in California

By Staff Report | Wednesday, December 22, 2021

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, the last two NASCAR Cup Series champions, were competing at Placerville Speedway in California for the Hangtown 100 in USAC National Midget cars the weekend before Thanksgiving. The quarter-mile dirt track is located about one hour northeast from where Larson grew up in Elk Grove, California. Scroll through to see photos from the three nights of racing.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Larson looks raring to go on Saturday night at Placerville Speedway. The 2021 Cup champion made it to the main event and finished 18th. Read Speed Sport's full recap of the night's action.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Elliott gets prepared to race at Placerville Speedway during the final night of competition on Saturday.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Elliott climbs on his vehicle before Saturday night's action. The 2020 Cup champion made it to the main event and finished 20th.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Larson and Elliott sign autographs during the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Larson and Elliott race during the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway. Larson spun on Lap 11 and then battled back to sixth place before doing a lazy rollover on Lap 67 that put him out of contention.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Elliott gets some air during the Hangtown 100 action on Saturday night.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Larson is shown having a good time in the drivers meeting before Saturday's racing.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Elliott checks in on his vehicle as get ready to race Saturday night.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Before Friday night's racing, Elliott and Larson spent some time chatting in the hauler.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Larson is shown atop his car during Friday night's action. After finishing sixth on Thursday night, Larson won on Friday. Get Speed Sport's full report.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Larson is all smiles as he gets to race in front of fans near his hometown on Friday night. The racing is part of a celebratory homecoming for Larson after winning the NASCAR Cup Series title at Phoenix Raceway.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Larson is strapped in and ready to go Friday night.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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After working out the kinks on Thursday, Larson had a more successful run on Friday night.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Larson got out front on Lap 22 on Friday night but had to survive a two-lap dash after the final restart in order to claim victory.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Larson told Speed Sport he was able to drive his car deeper into the corners on Friday night and that was a big difference in eventually getting to the lead and claiming the victory.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Larson finished first in Friday night's feature with Emerson Axsom and Bryant Wiedeman also sharing the podium.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Larson climbs out of the car on Friday night to celebrate his victory in the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway.

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Larson and his team celebrate the win on Friday night. It was Larson's second series win in three starts this year.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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A closer look at Larson and the hardware from winning Friday night.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Larson takes a selfie with this lucky fan on Friday night at Placerville Speedway.

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Elliott is seen coming out of the hauler at the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway.

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Elliott climbs into his vehicle on Friday night at Placerville Speedway.

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Elliott is strapped in for the action on Friday night.

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This fan makes no bones about what camp he's in on Friday night.

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Larson hangs out near his vehicle during Friday night's action.

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A view of the track during the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway.

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Larson signs autographs during the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway.

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Elliott races during the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway.

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Elliott poses with fans during the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway.

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A view of the pit during the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway.

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Elliott signs up for a heat race during the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Larson lingers with the fans at the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway.

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Elliott seems to be enjoying time at the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway.

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Ruby Wallau | For NASCAR Digital Media

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Larson poses for a photo with fans during the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway.

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Elliott signs autographs for fans during the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway.

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Zack Albert | NASCAR Digital Media

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Elliott and Larson, the two most recent NASCAR Cup Series champions, were on hand at Placerville Speedway in California on Thursday night for their first dirt-track action since the season wrapped at Phoenix Raceway earlier this month.