Carson Kvapil wins Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — JR Motorsports’ Carson Kvapil won the Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, his first win in his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series career.

Kvapil led for 23 of the 100 laps in the race. He started the race in second.

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget kissing the bricks with all my guys,” Kvapil said. “Just super cool and amazing. I’m just super grateful for everyone that’s gotten me to this position in life.”

“I’m just so happy for Carson Kvapil,” JR Motorsports co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. said. “He deserves this. He’s a great racecar driver. Belongs in this series. Good enough to race on Sundays. He’s like family. We’ve worked with him for awhile. It’s really emotional to see those guys get what they deserve.

“I told him last night, ‘It’s your destiny to win this race tomorrow. You had a great car in practice. This is what you’re meant to be doing.’ He pulled it off,” Earnhardt Jr. said.

Kvapil reflected on his relationship with Earnhardt Jr. after the win.

“He’s been a really good friend of mine. I almost consider him family now… When he stuck his head in the window, I couldn’t help but start crying, to be honest,” Kvapil said.

Justin Allgaier finished second and Ross Chastain finished third. Chastain led for 31 laps, the most laps led out of any driver in the race.

Sheldon Creed started the race in pole position.