The world of sprint car racing was delivered an emotional moment as Kasey Kahne Racing news broke of Brad Sweet’s decision to step away from full-time competition, marking the end of one of the sport’s most successful eras. Announced during the 2025 High Limit Racing awards banquet, this choice closes a chapter for both Sweet and his team, led by owner Kasey Kahne, and sets the stage for a new future within the racing community.
Brad Sweet’s Career and His Emotional Farewell
Brad Sweet, known throughout the dirt track world as one of the most driven competitors, shared his decision to retire from full-time racing at an emotional event filled with applause and reflection. Sweet’s achievements include multiple national championships and dozens of wins behind the wheel for Kasey Kahne Racing, with a career that inspired fans and fellow drivers alike.
Sweet addressed the community in a heartfelt speech, holding back tears as he said,
Racing has been my whole life. Walking away from driving full-time. It’s not easy, but I know this. I gave it everything I had, every lap, every season, every championship,
Brad Sweet, Sprint Car Driver.
He assured fans and colleagues that his departure from full-time driving does not equate to leaving the sport entirely:
This isn’t goodbye to racing, It’s just an end of a chapter behind the wheel full-time. I will still be around supporting this sport we all love and giving back as much as I possibly can to the next generation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Brad Sweet, Sprint Car Driver.
Sweet’s long-standing drive was evident from a young age, and his competitive edge saw him rise rapidly through the ranks, achieving significant milestones such as his win at the 2018 Knoxville Nationals, holding off veteran driver Donny Schatz in a thrilling conclusion. This victory cemented his place among the sprint car racing elite. His path included experience as a JR Motorsports development driver in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, before his full commitment to sprint cars with the Kasey Kahne Racing team.
Sweet looked back on his unwavering determination in the High Limit Racing-produced farewell video, commenting,
Literally, if you ask every teacher from, you know, third grade on, what are you going to be when you grow up? Race car driver. All you can do is just work as hard as you possibly can, and that’s kind of my mantra at this point.
Brad Sweet, Sprint Car Driver.
Expanding on the mentality necessary for his success, Sweet candidly stated,
That’s just who I’ve become, and I’m just excited for where that’s going to take me in life. Those pressure-packed situations, like, that defines who you are. You know, are you the clutch guy? You’re the guy that crumbles when it comes down to those moments. That’s who you are,
Brad Sweet, Sprint Car Driver.
In 2023, Sweet clinched his final World of Outlaws title by triumphing in the season-ending World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte. This marked the fifth consecutive championship win, dubbed the “Drive for Five,” a testament to his consistency and peak performance under pressure.
Kasey Kahne and Team’s Reflections on Sweet’s Departure
Kasey Kahne, owner of Kasey Kahne Racing and a pivotal figure in Sweet’s success, released a candid and heartfelt message regarding the driver’s exit from full-time action. Kahne spoke of Sweet’s determination and impact since joining the team, saying,
Brad Sweet has meant everything to KKR over the years. Brad came to KKR in 2007 with the drive and determination to be the best sprint car driver at a national level, he accomplished that and sustained it year after year.
Kasey Kahne, Team Owner.
Highlighting Sweet’s unique talents and character, he continued,
He is an incredible, one-of-one talent, and person. As an owner, I am thankful for his hard work and dedication that has resulted in 130+ wins and 6 national championships. As a friend, it’s been a joy and a heck of a ride being able to talk racing and celebrate achievements in the sport we both love, while celebrating personal accolades and growing families,
Kasey Kahne, Team Owner.
Sweet’s departure has set the No. 49 team on the search for a worthy replacement, while Kahne reaffirmed that Sweet would remain integral to KKR’s future plans:
Brad is woven into the fabric of KKR and I look forward to more wins in the future with him on a part-time schedule,
Kasey Kahne, Team Owner.
The enduring partnership between Sweet and Kahne has produced historic moments in sprint car racing, with Sweet’s reputation as “The Big Cat” becoming synonymous with clutch performances and a relentless work ethic.
High Limit Racing and the End of an Era
High Limit Racing, the series where Sweet made his announcement, shared their own thoughts on social media to mark the moment as a major turning point:
It’s the end of an era. @BradSweetRacing has announced his retirement from full-time competition — moving to a part-time schedule, focusing on his family and businesses. A hall of fame career fueled by a childhood dream & unstoppable work ethic. Now for the next chapter.
High Limit Racing.
This public statement echoed through the fan and racing communities, emphasizing both the gravity and the legacy of Sweet’s time as a full-time competitor. Sweet’s achievements led many to view his journey as a model for young aspiring drivers. Through mentorship and business involvement, he is expected to stay visible at races, supporting Kasey Kahne Racing and contributing to the sport’s growth.
Strategic Shifts at Kasey Kahne Racing during the 2025 Season
Earlier in 2025, team owner Kasey Kahne made a notable decision affecting Kasey Kahne Racing. At a pivotal point just before the Knoxville Nationals, Kahne withdrew his own No. 9 sprint car from competition to focus resources exclusively on Sweet’s No. 49 team. This tactical adjustment sought to optimize the team’s chances and strengthen group dynamics as stakes rose during the season.
Kahne explained his reasoning by stating,
It was all me. Just needed to be more in charge, more part of our teams,
and elaborated further,
I just felt like with me being the owner, I needed to be more in charge, more and more part of our teams. Just go down to one team and focus on one team with the group that I worked with this year.
Kasey Kahne, Team Owner.
This restructuring shifted Sweet into collaboration with the No. 9 crew, including crew chief Andrew Bowman, and team members Tayte Williamson and Kyler Kerkvliet. Kahne summed up the objective by saying he wanted to create
the best, most consistent, strongest deal we can throughout the rest of the year.
Kasey Kahne, Team Owner.
This strategy proved fruitful as Sweet charged into the late season with sustained momentum and an empowered, tightly knit team behind him. Kahne’s transition into a focused leadership role allowed for hands-on support and coordination, ensuring every available advantage went to the drive for continued excellence and success at marquee events.
Looking Ahead for Sprint Car Racing and Kasey Kahne Racing
Brad Sweet’s move to a part-time schedule leaves a lasting impact on Kasey Kahne Racing, the broader High Limit Racing championship, and the sprint car scene overall. His dedication both on and off the track has set an example for a new generation, and his influence will continue as he mentors younger drivers and explores business ventures linked to racing. The organization is expected to see changes in team composition as they search for Sweet’s full-time replacement, maintaining the competitive spirit that defined his era.
Kasey Kahne, strengthened by years of partnership with Sweet, will lead the team into this new period, aiming to sustain the winning culture and mentorship philosophy that has shaped KKR’s recent history. Meanwhile, Sweet’s involvement promises to keep fan engagement high and preserve the optimism and intensity surrounding sprint car racing as the sport enters its next chapter.
Kasey Kahne Racing | Update pic.twitter.com/YpVJJSQ6Vo
— Kasey Kahne Racing (@KKRdirt) October 20, 2025
