Larson Hopes to Continue Rise at Darlington

FLORENCE, S.C. (AP) - Kyle Larson is grateful for the exposure he's received as part of NASCAR's "Next9" initiative. He is confident it won't take long for the group of up-and-coming racers to compete for checkered flags and championships at the sport's highest level.

Larson, 20, will continue his rookie season in NASCAR's Nationwide Series on Friday night at Darlington Raceway. Larson won the truck race at Rockingham last month to become the first from NASCAR's "Drive For Diversity" program to win on the circuit's three national touring series.

Larson has enjoyed getting to know some of the sport's other rising young drivers, including 17-year-old Chase Elliott and 19-year-old Darrell Wallace Jr.

Larson says the program has allowed him to meet NASCAR executives and taught him to handle off-track obligations tied to racing success.

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