Kyle Larson survives World of Outlaws Plymouth crash in a harrowing incident at the Plymouth Dirt Track on June 6, cutting short his bid for a fourth 2025 series win. Despite a violent flip caused by an axle failure, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion walked away from his sprint car uninjured, underscoring both the dangers and resilience found in elite motorsports.
Larson’s Hopes Derailed Amid Action-Packed Return at Plymouth
Entering the Badger State Triple at Plymouth Dirt Track, Larson arrived with momentum from his recent victories and a demanding multi-series schedule. Known for his ability to compete across a spectrum of events—NASCAR, World of Outlaws, and High Limit Racing—the California native was at the center of attention in Wisconsin. The WoO’s much-awaited return to Plymouth, after a gap of two decades, was marked not just by fierce racing, but also by the ever-present risk faced by drivers like Larson, Rico Abreu, and Buddy Kofoid.
Friday night’s feature saw Larson shine early, earning a front-row start after winning his heat and the Toyota Dash. His closest challenger, Rico Abreu, lined up beside him, and the pair exchanged the lead in the opening lap. Intense racing was momentarily interrupted by a red flag, and after the restart, Abreu gained the upper hand.
As Abreu held the lead, Larson remained relentless, shadowing him through early laps while preparing for advances among the traffic. But as Lap 7 began, disaster unfolded. Entering Turn 1, a right-rear axle on Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports #57 Outlaw gave out, the wheel detached, and the car dug into the dirt, flipping repeatedly and violently striking the outside fencing. The crash raised alarm among the spectators as the vehicle appeared to nearly clear the barriers in a dramatic sequence rarely seen even in the high-risk world of sprint car racing.
Despite the intensity of the accident, Larson extricated himself from the wreckage without assistance and with no injuries. As he explained afterward,
“I don’t know, I think the right rear, axle or something broke. So, just launched me and along for the ride. Bummer. I felt really good, pacing Rico there and just finally catching traffic and, get racing there, but wasn’t going to happen. So, glad I’m okay, big hits, but all in all feel fine.”
—Kyle Larson, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
With Larson out of contention, the race pressed on. Abreu controlled the remaining laps, securing the 35-lap feature win after fending off a late challenge from Buddy Kofoid, who finished in second place. The event served as a sharp reminder of both the excitement and perils inherent to the World of Outlaws circuit.
Maintaining a Demanding Racing Calendar Despite Setbacks
Although the Plymouth incident ended his evening early, Kyle Larson’s commitment to sprint car racing and elite motorsports remains undeterred. So far this season, the 32-year-old has participated in seven World of Outlaws events, posting six finishes within the top five and earning six top-10s overall. His back-to-back wins at Jacksonville and a victory at Barberville have left him at 27th in the NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series points with 936, reflecting the ebbs and flows that define competitive racing campaigns.
Larson’s versatility has again been on display, as he competed just the day prior in the High Limit Sprint Car Series’ Rayce Rudeen Foundation Race at 141 Speedway. His ability to navigate both the World of Outlaws and High Limit Racing schedules, alongside his NASCAR duties, continues to set him apart among American drivers.
This season also saw Larson attempt the challenging “Memorial Day Weekend Double,” running both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in a single day—an effort few have matched, despite each race ending in crashes. Such undertakings highlight his relentless ambition and the physical demands he is willing to endure within the sport.
Attention Shifts to NASCAR Cup at Michigan Following Fiery Crash
With the World of Outlaws Plymouth crash behind him, Larson now resets his focus on NASCAR Cup Series competition. He returns to the track at Michigan International Speedway for the FireKeepers Casino 400, joining a field for the 108th Cup race at the historic 2-mile oval not far from Detroit. Larson, who has previously won three times at Michigan, aims to recapture his winning form at a venue where his most recent triumph came in 2017. His ongoing ability to rebound and adapt through turbulent stretches continues to be closely watched by fans and competitors.
Kyle Larson’s resilience and drive to compete in diverse events—from dirt tracks in Wisconsin and Jacksonville to legendary circuits like Michigan and Indianapolis—contribute to his reputation as one of the most capable and daring drivers in modern racing. His survival from such a violent World of Outlaws Plymouth crash stands as a testament to both the improved safety of today’s sprint cars and the unwavering spirit at the heart of the sport.
