This weekend, the Kyle Larson Hangtown 100 promises an exciting showdown, as two top drivers from Hendrick Motorsports, Kyle Larson and Corey Day, face each other on the dirt in Placerville, California. Both racers, known for their Californian roots and dirt racing backgrounds, aim to kick off the NASCAR offseason with a memorable win at the USAC-sanctioned Hangtown 100.
California Stars Prepare for Intense USAC Showdown
Kyle Larson and Corey Day will once again meet as rivals in one of California’s most anticipated dirt track events. Corey Day, gearing up to run full-time with the Hendrick No. 17 team next racing season, has proven his versatility with impressive performances in both the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the Craftsman Truck Series this year. Day’s rapid development from dirt racing to paved tracks is remarkable, and although he is just about to turn 20, his skills already resemble those of much more experienced drivers.
Kyle Larson, always a force on dirt, continues to influence the next generation of racers, including Day, whom he recommended to Hendrick Motorsports several years ago. As Day prepares for a pivotal step in his young career, the racing world is watching to see if he can match or even surpass the legacy Larson is building on the dirt and in various NASCAR series.
The entry list for this weekend’s Hangtown 100 is packed with familiar names from the racing world. Notably, IndyCar driver Santino Ferrucci is slated to compete, alongside other dirt racing standouts such as Logan Seavey, Buddy Kofoid, Daison Pursley, Carson Macedo, and more. With such a stacked field, fans are expecting an action-packed event at Placerville, where USAC’s finest will be on display. Coverage of the event will be available for fans to watch via FloRacing.
Larson Returns to Defend His Hangtown 100 Title
Kyle Larson heads into the weekend fresh off of his latest NASCAR championship and looking to reign once again on familiar ground. Last year, Larson captured victory at the 2023 Hangtown 100, dominating a caution-free, fast-paced 30-lap main event. He secured the lead on the opening night and managed to stay ahead, fending off fierce competition without relinquishing first place.
“It was fun to go 30 laps non-stop,”
Larson said.
“That was pretty intense from my seat. Traffic was crazy and I was watching the board and trying to peek back when I could. I felt like I was putting together good laps. You just don’t know for sure when you get stuck like that.”
– Kyle Larson, Driver
Larson’s relentless approach to racing is well known within the motorsports community. Unlike others in the Cup Series who may choose to wind down after the lengthy 38-week season, Larson races almost year-round. Even after claiming a championship, he seldom takes more than a brief hiatus before returning to high-stakes competition—mirroring the full-throttle mentality that has become his trademark.
What This Weekend Means for Both Drivers
The rivalry between Kyle Larson and Corey Day at the Hangtown 100 showcases the ongoing evolution within Hendrick Motorsports and the larger racing scene. Larson’s participation and constant drive to compete set a standard for commitment, while Day’s rapid rise marks him as a likely successor to carry the team’s legacy forward, especially given their shared dirt racing roots. For fans in Placerville and beyond, this USAC event offers not only a glimpse of current champions like Larson but also a preview of future stars like Day and the breadth of talent across series, including drivers such as Carson Macedo, Buddy Kofoid, Daison Pursley, Logan Seavey, and Santino Ferrucci. The outcome of this weekend’s race could signal the next chapter in both drivers’ careers and reinforce the place of the Hangtown 100 as a must-watch event for racing enthusiasts.
