Kyle Larson was on the verge of another dominant dirt racing win before a dramatic collision in the closing moments of the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway in California, leaving the motorsports community in disbelief. The much-anticipated Kyle Larson Hangtown 100 crash abruptly ended what had been a controlled run at the front and showcased the unpredictable intensity of dirt track racing.
A Stunning Final Lap Alters the Outcome
For nearly the entire 100-lap contest, Kyle Larson appeared unstoppable, setting the pace on the tight clay oval and maintaining a steady lead in front of a packed crowd. However, as the final lap began, the atmosphere quickly shifted from routine excitement to anxious uncertainty.
Daison Pursley, running second as the field charged toward the finish, made a bold attempt to overtake Larson in the last set of turns. Pursley dove low in turn four, aiming to execute a slide job for the lead. The maneuver went awry when Pursley’s car struck the inside berm, causing him to lose control and veer unexpectedly into Larson’s path. The contact sent Larson’s car violently airborne, flipping through the finish area as the shocked audience looked on. Pursley managed to cross the line first, collecting the $20,000 victory.
“With five laps to go, Larson entered Turns 1 and 2 in the high lane, while runner-up Daison Pursley fired his No. 86 car down into the inside line. As he attempted to pull off a slide job for the race lead, the move turned out to be quite the misjudgment, as reported by Tobbie Christie.”
— Tobbie Christie, Reporter
“With five laps to go, Kyle Larson was the latest to go tumbling at Placerville after making contact with Daison Pursley. Pursley would go on to win. pic.twitter.com/jB1CzN7CA8 — Toby Christie (@Toby_Christie) November 16, 2025”
— Toby Christie, Reporter
The impact was violent, with Larson’s car completing four full rotations in the air before coming to rest on its side, prompting immediate concern for his safety. Remarkably, Larson emerged without injury, exiting his car and responding with a mix of emotion—offering a sarcastic applause and double thumbs up to Pursley, witnessed by fans and media alike.
“Four 360° spins in the air later, Larson’s car came to a halt as it flipped on its side, bringing the race to a halt. Larson climbed out of his car uninjured and took a moment to sarcastically clap at Pursely and show him a double thumbs up before he was driven off the track, according to Naman Srivastava of Profootballnetwork.com.”
— Naman Srivastava, Correspondent
The United States Auto Club (USAC) promptly reviewed video and radio information, ultimately deeming the incident a racing mishap rather than an action warranting a penalty. This decision was widely discussed in the aftermath, considering the dramatic circumstances of the Kyle Larson Hangtown 100 crash and Pursley’s victory celebration.
The High-Stakes Atmosphere at Hangtown 100
Kyle Larson’s roots in dirt racing are well known, and events like the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway bring together top competitors from across USAC and other series. The tight, fast-paced nature of midget dirt car racing means that even minor misjudgments can change the outcome instantly.
This year’s event featured a deep field of skilled drivers, each keen to test their reflexes and push limits on short notice. For Larson, the race’s outcome did not reflect his commanding performance for most of the contest, but it did underline his prowess and comfort on dirt tracks. The Hangtown 100 is an important proving ground, pushing participants’ reaction times and ability to navigate chaos with only inches of space between competitors.
Placerville’s unique racing surface and frequent traffic ensure drivers face continuous pressure, and the closing-lap drama provided a sharp reminder of how unforgiving dirt racing can be. The crowd’s stunned silence at the crash, followed by their relief at seeing Larson climb out unharmed, highlighted both the sport’s risks and the respect shared among drivers and fans.
Kyle Larson’s 2025 NASCAR Achievements
Beyond his exploits on the dirt, Kyle Larson’s 2025 campaign in the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports proved to be a season to remember. He demonstrated steely focus and speed throughout the NASCAR playoffs, collecting key wins—including a decisive victory at Watkins Glen in the opening round and another at Homestead-Miami, securing his place among the Championship 4 title contenders.
The season finale at Phoenix added extra drama with late-race caution flags and crucial restarts. Larson maintained his composure during the intense closing laps, ultimately holding off a competitive field to claim the championship. The triumph delivered Hendrick Motorsports its fifteenth NASCAR Cup Series title, bolstered by Larson’s ability to blend skills honed on dirt—such as quick reflexes and strategic racecraft—with the discipline of stock car racing. Over the course of the season, Larson led 1,106 laps and posted an average finish of 13.2, showcasing the attributes that have made him a force across multiple racing disciplines.
The shocking turn of events in the Hangtown 100 serves as a vivid demonstration of racing’s unpredictability, but also reinforces why Kyle Larson remains a pivotal figure in both the dirt track world and the highest levels of American motorsport. As discussion around the Hangtown 100 crash continues, fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see how Larson channels this experience heading into the next stage of his remarkable racing career.
With five laps to go, Kyle Larson was the latest to go tumbling at Placerville after making contact with Daison Pursley. Pursley would go on to win. pic.twitter.com/jB1CzN7CA8
— Toby Christie (@Toby_Christie) November 16, 2025
