Kyle Larson found himself at the center of drama during the Hangtown 100 USAC feature at Placerville Speedway last night, as a late-race incident involving Daison Pursley dashed his hopes for victory. The Kyle Larson Hangtown 100 crash occurred with only five laps to go, turning an exciting contest into a contentious moment that left fans and competitors talking.
Late Race Collision Ends Larson’s Win Streak Hopes
The USAC Midget race at Placerville Speedway was packed with intensity as leading drivers, including Kyle Larson, Daison Pursley, and Buddy Kofoid, battled fiercely for the top spot. Larson was setting the pace, seemingly heading toward another prestigious Hangtown 100 win, when Pursley made an aggressive move with just a handful of laps remaining. The move, deemed questionable by spectators and analysts alike, resulted in Larson’s car flipping violently, abruptly ending his charge to the finish.
After crawling out of his HendrickCars.com entry, Larson responded not with hostility, but with a slow, sarcastic clap and double thumbs up toward Pursley, making his feelings on the incident unmistakably clear. The dramatic exchange was quickly captured and shared across social media platforms, including a video posted by FloRacing:
“Battling for the lead, Kyle Larson rolls after getting together with Daison Pursley! @USACNation #Hangtown100 @pvillespeedway pic.twitter.com/V4Suipzvrd”
FloRacing
Rivalry and Reactions Fuel Intense Debate
The circumstances of the crash sparked immediate debate among fans and those in the dirt racing world. While many pointed fingers at Pursley and criticized the risky maneuver, others noted that Larson himself has made similarly bold moves in the past, keeping the rivalry and tensions alive in the competitive USAC Midget scene. The controversial slide from Pursley in car number 86 especially stood out as the catalyst that led to Larson’s unexpected and disappointing exit from the race.
Despite the apparent frustration, Larson handled his disappointment with notable sportsmanship. His comments after the race reflected a measured perspective on the situation:
“We had a good car, a good race going. Daison must have built a run on the cushion behind me,”
Kyle Larson, Driver
“Surprised me on entry to one, and then hit the grease, and I kinda had nowhere to go. So, yeah, just a bummer, but I mean, I get it, just because my entry was closed off, so he was going to have to pull the trigger right there. Just, oh well, I guess. I wish it wouldn’t have happened, I’m sure he wishes it wouldn’t have happened.”
Kyle Larson, Driver
Pursley Takes the Win; Larson Keeps Focus on the Future
As the dust settled, Daison Pursley went on to capture the win at the Hangtown 100, marking a significant achievement for his career. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson’s prospects for another Hangtown victory evaporated in a matter of seconds. Even so, Larson demonstrated why he is widely regarded as one of the most versatile racers in the world, able to jump into a Midget car and immediately contend for wins. Fresh from his second NASCAR Cup Series championship, Larson’s performance at Placerville was a testament to his elite driving skills, even if the finish did not go his way.
Larson’s ability to rebound from setbacks and his continued prominence in both dirt and asphalt racing remain a subject of considerable admiration. Many in the racing community, from detractors to dedicated supporters, noted how he processed the incident publicly, with some analysts praising his composure and perspective during the post-race interview.
Anticipation Builds for Upcoming Races and Rivalries
Fans and industry observers alike are already speculating about when they might next see Larson in action—whether at the Tulsa Shootout, the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals, or another marquee event. Given his history of clinching NASCAR Cup championships in tandem with Chili Bowl wins, excitement is already mounting over a possible repeat performance.
Meanwhile, questions swirl around when another showdown between Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson might take place on dirt, adding further intrigue to the sport as the NASCAR offseason fuels interest in major dirt racing battles. The lasting impression from the Hangtown 100 is one of fierce competition, unwavering passion, and remarkable resilience—from both Larson and his rivals like Pursley and Kofoid—as they continue to raise the stakes in each encounter.
The collision at the Hangtown 100 not only shifted the race outcome but also amplified ongoing storylines and rivalries in the dirt racing world. With Larson’s quick-witted response and focus on what’s ahead, the narrative now turns to his next move, while Daison Pursley celebrates his moment in the winner’s circle, further energizing fans and competitors as the season continues.
Battling for the lead, Kyle Larson rolls after getting together with Daison Pursley! @USACNation #Hangtown100 @pvillespeedway pic.twitter.com/V4Suipzvrd
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) November 16, 2025
