Kyle Larson, celebrated sprint car star and NASCAR Cup Series champion, is advancing an ambitious plan to expand grassroots racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), one of the sport’s most iconic venues. His efforts, supported by Roger Penske, could bring a new level of prominence and investment to grassroots dirt racing, spotlighting it on one of racing’s most historic stages.
Larson’s connection to dirt track racing runs deep; despite reaching the pinnacle of stock car racing, he continues to race and promote sprint cars, reflecting the traditional grassroots origins of many motorsports greats. Together with Brad Sweet, he launched High Limit Racing in 2022 to create an elite sprint car series focused on fair treatment for drivers and substantial prize purses. The series has quickly grown to feature over 50 race nights and purses exceeding $5 million.
High Limit Racing Poised to Make an Impact at the Brickyard
High Limit Racing’s potential arrival at IMS signals an important intersection between grassroots dirt racing and one of America’s most prestigious racetracks. Events such as the BC39 and Indiana Sprint Week have already introduced sprint and midget car racing to IMS’s dirt oval at Turn 3, showcasing the sport’s excitement to new audiences under the Penske organization’s oversight.
Larson underscored the importance of IMS hosting dirt races, calling it
“the most prestigious racetrack in the world.”
He expressed hope that Roger Penske, a figure not traditionally known for embracing dirt racing, could appreciate its impact on grassroots motorsport. Larson remarked,
“I saw a picture of Roger there last night. I don’t think he loves dirt racing, but I hope he had a good time with it and can see the impact that it has on grassroots racing.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver
This hopeful tone was reinforced by Larson’s praise of the BC39 event:
“I think it’s got the potential to grow into the biggest race of the year. I just hope they can keep investing, and maybe some other races, to grow grassroots racing.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver
His comments indicate not only support for continuing IMS’s current dirt racing events but also point toward expanding High Limit Racing’s footprint at the Speedway, hinting at negotiations underway to bring their series to the famed Brickyard dirt oval.
Honoring Dirt Racing Legends Through Competition
The recent BC39 race featured an emotional moment when Cannon McIntosh won his second consecutive title from a 19th starting position in a field of 24 cars, earning over $20,000 in prize money. His victory was dedicated to the late Bryan Clauson, a revered USAC champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 participant, who remains a beloved figure in the dirt racing community. McIntosh said,
“To do it in honor of Bryan Clauson here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway twice now, it’s just an honor. It’s all for him, and I’m sure he’s looking down, smiling and seeing another good race here.”
—Cannon McIntosh, BC39 winner
Such tributes highlight how dirt racing carries a rich legacy that resonates deeply with drivers and fans alike, adding emotional weight to events staged at such historic venues. The prospect of High Limit Racing securing a regular presence at IMS would enhance this tradition, elevating grassroots dirt racing’s visibility nationally.
Kyle Larson’s Return to IMS and His Season Outlook
Larson returns to IMS for the 2025 Brickyard 400 on July 27 as the defending champion, bringing a record that includes one win, two top-five finishes, and four top-10s across seven oval starts at the track. Despite his strong track performance, Larson’s current NASCAR season has been challenging. Since a win at Kansas in May, crashes at the Indy 500 and Coke 600, coupled with inconsistent finishes, have stalled his momentum.
He is aiming for redemption at the Brickyard with hopes to reignite his championship campaign during the summer stretch. Reflecting on the upcoming race, Larson said,
“It’s a privilege to get to run here. I would love a good run and hopefully put the bow on the Double stuff with another Brickyard 400 win.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver
His crew chief, Cliff Daniels, emphasized Larson’s adaptability and data-driven approach, marking him as a strong contender at a venue demanding both speed and precision. A victory at IMS could provide Larson with crucial playoff points as well as renewed confidence amid a difficult season.
The Future Impact of Expanding Grassroots Racing at IMS
Should High Limit Racing establish a permanent home at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it would represent a turning point for grassroots motorsport, offering drivers a national stage previously reserved mainly for stock car and IndyCar racing. This expansion could draw new fans, sponsors, and media attention to sprint car racing, ensuring greater financial support and recognition for the sport’s grassroots levels.
For Penske and IMS, embracing these grassroots disciplines would blend honoring tradition with fostering motorsport’s future talent pipelines. By investing in dirt racing’s development, they would support the next generation while maintaining the Speedway’s position as the “Racing Capital of the World.” The partnership between Larson’s High Limit Racing and Roger Penske might well redefine the scope and scale of grassroots racing in American motorsport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kyle Larson better than Verstappen?
A. Larson may not defeat Verstappen in F1, but he is more adaptable than anyone else. Bianchi points out that Larson’s skills are broader. He wins in many different kinds of cars.
Q. What caused Kyle Larson to crash?
A. Bob Pockrass from FOX Sports shared Kyle Larson’s remarks on X one day after the crash. Larson explained that the crash happened because of a broken axle.
Q. Asked about Larson’s claim on Thursday, he had just two coy words: Asked Max Verstappen for his response to Kyle Larson’s comments about being a better all-round driver – Max just smiled and said: \x26quot;That’s fine. Everyone thinks their own way, right?\x26quot; With a quick detour to another sport, let me put it this way.
A. How did Max Verstappen reply to Kyle Larson?