The Kyle Larson USAC midget crash at Placerville Speedway’s Hangtown 100 set social media ablaze on Saturday, November 15, as both Larson and fellow Hendrick Motorsports driver Corey Day endured dramatic flips in the midget main event. With intense concern from NASCAR fans and tense comments about Hendrick Motorsports’ policies, the incident highlighted ongoing debates about drivers racing outside the Cup and Xfinity series.
Multiple Crashes Disrupt Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway
During the second half of the Hangtown 100, chaos erupted when Kyle Larson and Corey Day, both representing Hendrick Motorsports, suffered violent separate accidents. Larson’s wreck occurred about five laps from the finish, after he made contact with Daison Pursley, causing his car to flip and roll on the track. Earlier in the race, Corey Day tumbled during a hard-fought battle for second place with Pursley, ending his night in a dramatic infield crash.
Corey Day had performed strongly in the middle laps, running down Kyle Larson for the lead. His attempt to fend off Pursley on lap 59 ended with a wreck as his car flipped repeatedly before coming to rest safely. Fans at Placerville Speedway witnessed both drivers eventually climb out uninjured, but not before the scenes had triggered widespread anxiety within the motorsports community, especially among those connected to Hendrick Motorsports.
Social Media Reacts to Wrecks and Hendrick Motorsports Policy Changes
NASCAR fans were quick to voice their reactions on social platform X, particularly referencing concerns of team owner Rick Hendrick, who has historically been wary of extracurricular racing risks for his contracted drivers. As one fan expressed:
“Mr. Hendrick is punching holes in his walls watching both his drivers get sent into the next county tonight,” a fan wrote.
“Wouldn’t be surprised if Mr. Hendrick bans him from dirt so he’s not hurt before his Full-time ride in Xfinity,” another commented.
“[Team Hendrick] should rethink letting Wonder Boy race outside NASCAR. 🤦🏻♀️🤣,” yet another replied.
The situation became even more tense as witnesses recounted Corey Day’s condition after his crash.
“He looked pretty out of it standing there,” a fan shared.
“I was sitting about 100 feet from where he landed ‘tween 3 & 4. Took him a while to get out of that car. He was pretty shook up,” another fan wrote.
Historically, Hendrick Motorsports had enforced regulations that prevented its NASCAR drivers from racing outside of Cup or Xfinity events, but this changed after Kyle Larson’s arrival and subsequent 2021 Cup championship. Now, these recent crashes may reignite discussions within the organization regarding such policies, especially as the risk of injury weighs heavily on both team leadership and fans alike.
Kyle Larson’s Racing Plans Continue Despite Recent Crash
Despite the dramatic crash, Kyle Larson walked away unharmed and is scheduled to compete in additional USAC midget events in California throughout November, partnering with Silva Motorsports. Events at Merced, Bakersfield, and the high-profile Turkey Night at Ventura remain on his calendar. Following these outings, Larson is set to travel to Australia for three more dirt races with the High Limit series in December.
The Hangtown 100 concluded with Daison Pursley taking the win, Steven Snyder Jr. securing second place, and Shane Golobic finishing third, while the spotlight lingered on the implications of Larson and Day’s crashes for drivers, teams, and fans.
As the immediate consequences were avoided this time—with both drivers walking away—lingering frustration and apprehension remain. The recent Kyle Larson USAC midget crash has brought fresh tension to the ongoing discussion around risk, reward, and the future participation of top NASCAR drivers in high-stakes dirt events. The coming weeks will show how these incidents influence Hendrick Motorsports’ approach and whether fans and teams seek new boundaries around extracurricular racing.
Good news, Corey Day is okay!
Past halfway in the #Hangtown100 for the @USACNation Midgets at @pvillespeedway. pic.twitter.com/QHgajkHWuR
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) November 16, 2025
Wouldn't be surprised if Mr.Hendrick bans him from dirt so he's not hurt before his Full-time ride in Xfinity
— John Doom (@superwisp221) November 16, 2025
@TeamHendrick should rethink letting Wonder Boy race outside NASCAR. 🤦🏻♀️🤣
— WDWDVC🌴 (@RitasAdventures) November 16, 2025
He looked pretty out of it standing there
— Marc Frisch (@Frischy38) November 16, 2025
I was sitting about 100 feet from where he landed ‘tween 3 & 4.
Took him a while to get out of that car.
He was pretty shook up.
— The California Grumpy Bear (@i5asphaltcowboy) November 16, 2025
