Kyle Larson threw out the first pitch for the White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians game on Thursday. (Photo: Jeff Wackerlin)





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CHICAGO – Kyle Larson made a trip to Chicago on Thursday where he visited the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and threw out the first pitch at a White Sox game.

Larson was in the "Windy City" to help promote the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Overton’s 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 1.

Larson’s day started by visiting with veterans and helping distribute food at the Food Pantry at Hines VA Hospital. His sponsor Credit One Bank donated $25,000 to start Chicagoland Speedway’s R.A.C.E. Fund that has a goal to raise $42,000 by the conclusion of the race weekend to benefit active duty military and veterans organizations. Info to Donate

"Between now and the race at Chicagoland we are trying to get more people to donate and do what they can to help military members and other organizations," Larson said. "Meeting some of the veterans and shaking their hands and saying thank you was cool."

From there, Larson headed to Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the White Sox, where he threw out the first pitch.

"I have done it a couple different times," Larson said prior to taking the mound. "I did it once at a spring training game for the Dodgers and actually did a decent job. Then I went and threw it out at a Red Sox game and was terrible.

As for his pitch this time around…it sailed right over the plate for a strike.

With the No. 42 retired for all teams by Major League Baseball for Jackie Robinson, Larson sported the No. 1 on his White Sox jersey complete with his name on the back.

Larson is looking forward to returning to Chicagoland Speedway where he’s recorded an 8.2 average finish, including three top 10s in four starts. This year, the Chicagoland Monster Energy Cup Series race date returns to July after it was the first race in the playoffs for the past seven seasons.

"I always enjoy racing at Chicago," Larson said. "It’s one of my favorite tracks. We have always ran well there. I was close to a win there my rookie season. With the date change it will be hotter and slicker and more fun. I think we’ll be able to race around and search for different lines better."

Later in the day it was announced that Larson will sport a patriotic Credit One Bank paint scheme on his No. 42 Chevrolet for Chicagoland Speedway’s "Stars and Stripes Weekend," which will will host its biggest celebration of active duty military and veterans.

Chicagoland Tickets

The Overton’s 400 will be part of four consecutive races at Chicagoland featuring the ARCA Racing Series Scott 150 (Thursday, June 28), the Camping World Truck Series Overton’s 225 (Friday, June 29) and the Xfinity Series Overton’s 300 (Saturday, June 30).