Kyle Larson endures violent sprint car crash during relentless racing schedule, raising serious questions about the toll his packed calendar is taking on his racing career. During a Friday night race at Plymouth Dirt Track in Wisconsin, Larson survived a dramatic accident that highlights the risks associated with his constant drive to compete at the highest level across multiple motorsport events.
Kyle Larson’s dramatic accident stirs concern
On a routine sprint car outing, Kyle Larson, a standout for Glenn Styres Racing and currently racing for Hendrick Motorsports in NASCAR, experienced a heart-stopping incident. While chasing leader Rico Abreu on the third night in a row of dirt racing, Larson’s pursuit ended abruptly just seven laps into the 35-lap event. The right rear wheel of his car detached without warning, causing the vehicle to spin backward into the first turn and violently barrel roll into the catch fence.
The scene was tense as safety crews responded and the race was halted, but Larson managed to exit the wrecked sprint car on his own, stunning both fans and team owner Rick Hendrick. The relief was immediate; despite the severity of the crash, Larson escaped without major injuries, making it possible for him to compete in the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway. As video of the crash surfaced online, Toby Christie commented,
“Hard Crash for Kyle Larson tonight at Plymouth. Fortunately, Larson was able to walk away from this one.”
—Toby Christie, Reporter
An intense schedule pushes limits
Larson’s determination and commitment to competition are well known; he is frequently seen racing in events outside NASCAR thanks to the freedoms granted by Hendrick Motorsports—freedoms not all teams allow their drivers. In the days leading up to the Wisconsin crash, Larson had competed at Red Cedar Speedway and 141 Speedway, marking the third consecutive night of high-stakes racing. This relentless pace has sparked a debate among fans: can even a veteran with Larson’s resilience go on without repercussions?
After the frightening crash in Wisconsin, Larson explained what happened:
“I think the right rear axle or something broke. Just kinda launched me and along for the ride. Bummer, I felt really good, pacing Rico there. Glad I’m okay. Big hits but all-in-all, feel fine.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
The event at Plymouth Dirt Track is one of several setbacks in Larson’s 2025 campaign. He also suffered a bruising crash at the Indianapolis 500 on May 25, after which he finished 27th when his day ended early on lap 92. These incidents have contributed to a challenging stretch, with mechanical failures and bad luck painting a picture of a determined driver hitting turbulent times. Despite struggles on dirt tracks, Larson continues to battle in NASCAR’s premier division, remaining among the series’ top competitors.
Unsettled form in NASCAR following dirt track disappointment
Larson’s demanding schedule, which some consider proof of his passion while others view it as an unnecessary risk, has also affected his recent NASCAR performances. Following the Wisconsin crash, Larson quickly traveled to Nashville for the Cracker Barrel 400. There, he managed only a 25th-place qualifying run and slipped down the leaderboard during Sunday’s race. Meanwhile, Ryan Blaney, the defending 2023 NASCAR champion, clinched his first victory of the 2025 season. Facing a tough weekend, Larson later acknowledged his lack of confidence in the car, underscoring the impact these relentless commitments can have.
While recent results have been disappointing, hope remains alive for Larson. He currently sits second in the NASCAR Cup Series driver standings, determined to overcome recent setbacks and pursue championship glory, undeterred by recent misfortunes both on dirt and asphalt.
Rico Abreu captures the spotlight with a commanding performance
While Larson’s accident drew headlines, the night’s feature event at Plymouth brought dirt racing fans an electrifying battle. Rico Abreu, one of the sport’s most consistent dirt aces, seized victory in the NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws main event. Racing with skill and composure, Abreu fended off Michael Kofoid’s determined advances throughout the 35-lap contest, especially navigating heavy traffic and defending against Kofoid’s risky moves.
Abreu is no stranger to success, and the win at Plymouth adds to his remarkable tally of over 60 career dirt track victories. Overcoming injury setbacks and missing earlier marquee events, Abreu now appears fully back in his element, rewarding his team and fans alike with another gutsy triumph.
“Hats off to this team. The track prep crew did an amazing job tonight. I’m just so fortunate to be racing in Wisconsin with the best fans in the country here. Everybody is so loyal and passionate. Thank you, World of Outlaws, for putting a race on this weekend. This team they do an unbelievable job. We put ourselves in position, and that’s what makes everything happen right,”
—Rico Abreu, Dirt Track Racer
Rounding out the leaders were Tyler Courtney in third position, with Carson Macedo and Brad Sweet securing spots in the top five. The fiercely competitive feature at Plymouth served as the perfect lead-in, ensuring all attention now turns to the upcoming Craftsman Truck Series and Cup Series races at Michigan International Speedway.
The ongoing debate: Passion versus peril
Kyle Larson’s violent crash at Plymouth Dirt Track—while not derailing his Cup Series ambitions—has nonetheless intensified scrutiny on his demanding race calendar. Some observers see his relentless schedule as a testament to his devotion and enduring pursuit of motorsport excellence. Others, looking at recent incidents from the Indianapolis 500 to the Cracker Barrel 400, wonder about the accumulating toll of so many back-to-back events on his well-being and performance.
For now, Larson remains a fixture in both the dirt and NASCAR worlds, refusing to let setbacks define his season. As the championship race heats up and Larson continues balancing his commitments, the motorsport community will be watching closely—both to witness his comeback and to gauge how this unyielding pace may shape his future results and legacy.
