Kyle Larson, a familiar name in both NASCAR and dirt track circles, put a humorous spin on the long-standing Pennsylvania Posse rivalry this weekend. While in Alabama for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series event at Talladega Superspeedway, Larson seized a chance to tease the PA Posse crowd, all while attending a comedy show headlined by Shane Gillis in Birmingham on Saturday night. He wasn’t alone; Chase Briscoe, also recognized in the NASCAR and dirt racing communities, joined Larson at the show, making the evening memorable for fans and the drivers alike.
On Sunday morning, much to the delight of his followers, Kyle Larson shared a photo on social media featuring himself and Shane Gillis. His caption, “Only PA Posse guy I like,” was instantly met with amusement and banter across racing and comedy circles, sparking a wave of lighthearted debate. Gillis, who hails from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is no stranger to the local dirt track scene, especially since his hometown is the site of Williams Grove Speedway—a venue deeply connected to the PA Posse legacy.
Shane Gillis’s passion for racing has been evident, not just through his public appearances at dirt track events but also in his choice of wardrobe, as he’s been seen wearing racing apparel, often highlighting Kyle Larson’s No. 57 Sprint Car. Last spring, Gillis attended a race at Williams Grove Speedway, drawing attention and excitement from fans and showing his deep-rooted support for the sport. According to many in the racing community, those moments helped bridge the gap between racing and mainstream entertainment, with both the comedian and Kyle Larson displaying mutual respect.
Kyle Larson’s playful remark connecting Shane Gillis to the PA Posse carried added weight given Larson’s history in Pennsylvania. As a former PA Speedweek champion in 2020 and winner across numerous Pennsylvania tracks such as Williams Grove, Port Royal, Lincoln, Grandview, Lernerville, and BAPS Motor Speedways, Larson brings a unique perspective to the rivalry. In a recent episode of “DIRT II: A Season With High Limit Racing Presented by NOS Energy Drink,” Larson offered candid thoughts, noting, “They’ve got a really good local scene that pays well. That’s why you see a lot of Pennsylvanian drivers not really travel and they get picked on for not leaving the porch. But I think a big reason why they don’t leave the porch is because they know they won’t do good, so they can make a decent living doing it.”
Looking ahead, excitement builds as the High Limit Racing series, co-owned by Kyle Larson, prepares to visit Pennsylvania for the first time this season, beginning at Grandview Speedway on May 20. The upcoming Bob Weikert Memorial at Port Royal will add three more nights of intense racing, promising to keep the rivalry—and the friendly jabs—alive. While Larson’s jokes stir up good-natured rivalry, they also highlight the deep respect and competitive drive that define both Larson and the PA Posse, ensuring that fans have much to anticipate in the coming weeks.
