There’s a growing tension between Kyle Larson’s love for dirt racing and the demands of NASCAR’s top series. In 2025, that balance was tested again—this time under the lights of Eldora Speedway. While Larson’s sprint car victory made history with a national TV broadcast on FS1, his Cup Series struggles are creating conversation. With Sherfick Companies and Amazon Prime reshaping how motorsports is viewed, Larson is navigating his own battle—one between passion and performance.
Key Highlights
Kyle Larson won the Joker’s Jackpot sprint car event at Eldora Speedway.
The race aired live on FS1, reaching the sport’s widest-ever TV audience.
Larson called it an “important night” for sprint car racing and the fans.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. raised concern about Larson’s dirt focus affecting his Cup form.
Larson’s 2025 Cup Series season includes crashes and DNFs, with only one top-five since May.
Larson Shines in Sprint Cars on FS1
Kyle Larson’s love for sprint car racing isn’t new—but this time, the spotlight was. Competing at Eldora Speedway, Larson charged through the Joker’s Jackpot, a $100,000-to-win event presented by his own Kubota High Limit Racing. The victory didn’t just mark his first win at Eldora since 2021’s Kings Royal—it marked a major leap for the sport. For the first time, dirt racing aired live in prime time on FOX Sports 1.
“I think it’s awesome, I’m not sure if I’ve ever raced on national TV live or in the sprint car. I think it’s a big night for the sport and all of sprint car racing and all of their track racing. So yeah, I hope we can put on a good show. I know there are probably a lot of maybe first-time watchers tonight.” – Kyle Larson
Larson’s performance on track backed his words. He took the lead on Lap 20 and defended against Rico Abreu in the final laps. The field was strong, the pressure high, and the national broadcast gave new fans a close-up view of sprint car intensity.
FS1’s coverage window, spanning two hours, introduced dirt racing to its largest audience yet. Larson, a 32-time Cup Series race winner, took the opportunity seriously and delivered. The magnitude wasn’t lost on Eldora Speedway either.
“Eldora Speedway is thrilled to bring the heart-pounding excitement of High Limit Racing sprint cars to a broader audience. The national coverage not only elevates the visibility of the sport but also places viewers front and center for the adrenaline-fueled action and unforgettable moments that define sprint car racing.” – Levi Jones
Growth for Dirt Racing, Driven by Larson
Larson is more than just a driver. As a co-owner of Kubota High Limit Racing, his mission includes building dirt racing into a sustainable ecosystem for drivers, fans, and sponsors. The Amazon Prime era has changed NASCAR’s media future—but for sprint cars, FOX Sports 1 may now play a similar role.
Larson has already worked to increase purse sizes and bring more visibility to grassroots events. The Joker’s Jackpot at “The Big E” proved what’s possible when a national platform and elite talent collide.
“Important night for the sport.” – Kyle Larson
His sprint car calendar remains packed, often jumping into the dirt car mid-week after Sunday Cup races. While this schedule brings wins and headlines to dirt tracks, it also opens the door to criticism when things go wrong on Sundays.
Cup Series Struggles Cloud the Moment
Though Larson’s sprint car form is electric, his NASCAR Cup Series campaign has hit trouble in recent months. Following his attempt at “The Double” in 2024—which was disrupted by bad weather and logistics—Larson vowed a full return in 2025. Unfortunately, this season has presented new problems.
Crashes derailed his runs in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. In Cup Series action, Larson has since notched just one top-five (at Michigan) and suffered two DNFs at Mexico City and Sonoma. It’s a stark shift for a driver expected to contend for a championship.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t mince words about Larson’s outside racing interests.
“I think that he probably wouldn’t admit this, and he’d probably say I’m wrong. But I think that he went and tried to run Indy, and he said, ‘I got no interest in chasing ‘The Double’ again.’ I feel like he might think that all the s— that it requires to do all that sort of has taken his focus away from his Sunday s—, and he’s like, ‘You know what, it’s not worth it.’ Well, it feels like to me that it sort of derailed their momentum, and it derailed it at a time where the schedule is challenging.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Larson may see dirt racing as an outlet or even a second home, but the Cup Series remains the measuring stick for success in modern NASCAR. Fans and analysts alike are watching to see whether he can rebound as the season continues.
A Big Win Before a Big Weekend
Larson’s Joker’s Jackpot win at Eldora wasn’t just timely—it was meaningful. With the dirt racing world tuning in, and casual fans exposed to the sport for the first time, the stage was set for a perfect story. Larson’s victory capped off a week filled with qualifying drama, a flat tire, and a sprint to the finish against some of the best drivers on clay.
Now, with another trophy in hand, the Hendrick Motorsports driver sets his sights on Dover International Speedway. The Monster Mile has historically suited his driving style and offers a needed chance to reset his Cup Series momentum.
While questions swirl around his split focus, Kyle Larson’s success on the dirt remains undeniable—and the audience for it just got a whole lot bigger.
News in Brief: Kyle Larson Claims Sprint Car Glory on FS1
Kyle Larson won the Joker’s Jackpot sprint car event at Eldora Speedway, aired nationally on FS1 for the first time. As co-owner of Kubota High Limit Racing, Larson celebrated the milestone moment with a $100,000 win—his first at Eldora since 2021. While boosting sprint car visibility, Larson’s 2025 Cup Series campaign has struggled with crashes and DNFs. Dale Earnhardt Jr. suggested Larson’s off-track racing may be affecting focus. Larson now heads to Dover looking to recover form.
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