Intensity surged the moment engines fired at Eldora Speedway. With $100,000 up for grabs, the Joker’s Jackpot finale delivered mayhem before the first lap even ended. As Kyle Larson’s High Limit Racing series reached its peak, a massive crash stunned the field. Though Larson wasn’t involved, the wreck cast a shadow over his biggest dirt racing achievement yet. What unfolded next cemented both the danger and drama of sprint car racing.
Key Highlights
A major crash at Eldora Speedway involved six sprint cars on Lap 1 of the Joker’s Jackpot
Tyler Courtney was hospitalized after flipping and hitting the wall during the incident
Despite the chaos, Kyle Larson claimed a $100,000 win and his first Eldora victory since 2021
Brad Sweet, Buddy Kofoid, and others were forced to retire from the 40-lap main event
The Joker’s Jackpot finale was part of Larson’s High Limit Racing series, which heads next to the Kings Royal
Carnage Strikes in Eldora’s First Corner
The opening moments of the Joker’s Jackpot finale at Eldora Speedway were unforgettable—and not in the way fans had hoped. With anticipation at its highest, the race got off to a chaotic start when multiple cars tangled entering Turn 1. The wreck sent five sprint cars flipping and brought an immediate red flag.
Caught in the wreck were top-tier names: Hunter Schuerenberg, Brad Sweet, Brady Bacon, Bill Balog, Buddy Kofoid, and Tyler Courtney. Each climbed from their vehicles, but the worst came for Courtney, whose No. 7BC car violently flipped, hit the wall, and was clipped again while upside down. The crash brought an eerie silence across the speedway as crews rushed to the scene.
“Tyler Courtney was extracted and communicating with officials after the opening lap crash. He will be transported for further evaluation.” – High Limit Racing statement
Courtney’s racing credentials made the incident even more jarring. A two-time All Star Circuit of Champions champion and USAC standout, he entered the event second in the championship standings. After starting 10th, his charge was cut short when Buddy Kofoid’s car drifted high and triggered the chain reaction. Courtney’s high-speed impact with the wall and subsequent mid-air collision created one of the most violent wrecks in recent High Limit Racing history.
💥 A massive turn one incident at @EldoraSpeedway ends the @HighLimitRacing #JokersJackpot prematurely for several contenders. @kubota_usa #HighLimitRacing pic.twitter.com/NXfHrxfv6Z
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) July 18, 2025
Fallout for Top Contenders
The wreck had a deep impact on the field and the title race. Drivers like Hunter Schuerenberg and Bill Balog were eliminated on the spot. Kofoid, the initial catalyst, also retired. Though shaken, Brad Sweet managed to return to the track after repairs from Kasey Kahne’s crew and salvaged a 17th-place finish. Brady Bacon ended the night in 19th—far from the top ten finish he was hoping for.
The 20-minute red flag allowed medical and safety teams to tend to Courtney and clean the extensive debris. His hospitalization underscored the danger of sprint car racing and the ever-present risk even among the most experienced drivers.
Part-time NASCAR Truck and Xfinity driver Corey Day also participated in the event, piloting the No. 14BC car. He avoided the wreck and secured a top-five finish, further showcasing his versatility across disciplines.
Kyle Larson Seizes the Spotlight
While the early crash dominated headlines, the remaining laps of the Joker’s Jackpot offered a stunning performance by Kyle Larson. The California driver, who co-founded the High Limit Racing series, outdueled pole-sitter Rico Abreu and pulled away after Lap 20 to clinch the $100,000 prize.
It was Larson’s first win at Eldora since the 2021 Kings Royal and marked his 10th overall at the historic dirt track. The victory was particularly symbolic given the tragic start and the high visibility of the event. For a series he helped create, Larson stood on the top step in the biggest moment of its schedule.
Abreu, despite a dominant qualifying performance, settled for third, while Pennsylvania Posse star Anthony Macri charged from 11th to finish second. Aaron Reutzel and Corey Day completed the top five in a field that continued to show the depth of dirt racing talent.
“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.” – Kyle Larson
The nationally televised event on FS1 expanded sprint car racing’s reach, and Larson’s win reinforced his status as one of motorsport’s most versatile stars.
Kings Royal Up Next Amid Recovery Efforts
The Joker’s Jackpot may be over, but Eldora Speedway isn’t slowing down. Up next is Saturday’s Kings Royal, with a staggering $200,000 purse. For Tyler Courtney, questions now center on his recovery timeline. Though High Limit Racing confirmed he was alert and communicative, his ability to return for the Kings Royal remains uncertain.
The race will once again be broadcast on FS1 and streamed on FloRacing. Gates open at noon for fans hoping to secure hillside seating at the famed half-mile dirt oval.
With its national exposure and intense competition, the event is expected to draw even more fans following the Joker’s Jackpot drama. All eyes now turn to how the field responds—and whether Larson can go back-to-back at a track that’s come to define his dirt career.
News in Brief: Terrifying Crash Jolts Eldora Opener
A massive crash at Eldora Speedway halted the Joker’s Jackpot sprint car finale within seconds of the green flag. Tyler Courtney was hospitalized after flipping violently, while Buddy Kofoid and four others also crashed out. Kyle Larson, the series co-founder, dominated after the red flag and claimed a $100,000 win—his first Eldora victory since 2021. Brad Sweet and Brady Bacon salvaged finishes despite damage. The race was a major moment for sprint car racing, airing nationally on FS1.
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