Spire Motorsports is set for a notable transition in 2026 as the team prepares to enter the Kyle Larson High Limit Racing series, aiming to expand its reach beyond NASCAR competition. This move, announced as part of Spire’s Ascent Program, marks a strategic step into sprint car racing, a world with deep roots for several team members.
Gio Scelzi to Drive for Spire Motorsports in Full High Limit Season
Gio Scelzi, a rising star in the ARCA Menards Series and now piloting the No. 77 410 Sprint Car, will represent Spire Motorsports in all 66 events of the Kyle Larson High Limit Racing schedule. The 24-year-old Scelzi, who has previously made headlines as the youngest World of Outlaws winner at age 16 and as the youngest victor at Knoxville Raceway, brings proven experience and youth to the team’s new sprint car program. He will also enter the milestone 40th annual Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, backed by sponsorship from Chili’s, driving a car prepared by veteran team owner Keith Kunz. Notably, Scelzi achieved the distinction of qualifying for the A-Main at the Chili Bowl back in 2018, cementing his credentials in dirt racing.
Partnerships and Announcements Bolster Spire’s Dirt Racing Plans
To support its ambitious expansion, Spire Motorsports has aligned with Clauson Marshall Racing, an organization active in both IndyCar and USAC competition. The team’s official driver announcement took place via a social media post on December 11, further illustrating Spire’s intent to build credibility and competitive strength alongside established dirt racing teams.
Scelzi’s track record extends beyond dirt; he has also found success in pavement late models, earning a victory in Roseville, California, during an ARCA Menards Series West event. Highlighting the motivations of those involved, Scelzi remarked:
“The NASCAR stuff is their job but it’s pretty obvious they enjoy sprint car racing. We’ll likely run 80 to 90 times a year at probably 50 different race tracks but when you have an owner like Jeff [Dickerson] who truly loves sprint car racing and comes from that background, it really makes this an exciting opportunity.” Scelzi said.
Spire Motorsports’ Growth Beyond NASCAR
Since debuting in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2019 and notching its first Cup win that year, Spire Motorsports has made competitive strides, including nine victories in the Truck Series. Their latest step into the Kyle Larson High Limit Racing series extends this trajectory, further establishing the team’s efforts in multiple major racing disciplines.
Securing a Lasting Stake in High Limit Racing
Looking to cement its commitment, Spire has acquired a permanent franchise within the High Limit Racing series. By purchasing a “9 Card” franchise membership previously held by Jason Myers Racing, Spire is assured a consistent presence in the series’ business structure. The team will also hold a High Roller Club membership for the season opener in Las Vegas, signaling the seriousness of their intentions.
Team co-owner Jeff Dickerson openly shared his vision for Spire’s future in dirt racing:
“We are not a NASCAR team that is going dirt racing. We are dirt racers who happen to have a NASCAR team. This is in our blood and we can’t wait to get to Vegas in March.”
Experienced Leadership and Developing Talent Round Out Team Moves
Guiding the sprint car program is crew chief Eric Prutzman, whose impressive record includes six consecutive national championships with both High Limit Racing and former World of Outlaws champion Brad Sweet. This leadership is complemented by notable driver appearances, such as NASCAR Cup Series competitor Carson Hocevar’s recent top-10 finish at the Gateway Dirt Nationals. Continuing its focus on developing new talent, Spire signed 14-year-old Tristan McKee to the Ascent Program earlier this year, with McKee competing across late models, ARCA, and other series to build his career portfolio.
Implications for the Broader Motorsports Landscape
Spire Motorsports’ decision to join the Kyle Larson High Limit Racing series brings additional energy and resources into a thriving dirt racing environment. With experienced individuals like Keith Kunz, Jeff Dickerson, and Eric Prutzman playing key roles, and drivers such as Gio Scelzi leading the charge, this move may catalyze further involvement from other NASCAR-affiliated teams and foster increased crossover between disciplines. As Spire’s 2026 debut draws closer, the motorsports community will watch closely to see how this integration shapes both the team’s future and the competitive landscape of sprint car racing.
Raising the stakes in 2026.@GioScelzi will be behind the wheel of our No. 77 410 Sprint Car as we make our debut with @HighLimitRacing.
Additionally, Gio will drive the @Chilis midget in the 40th running of the Chili Bowl.
📰: https://t.co/1Lw0jetCgP pic.twitter.com/vegyO9f7M5
— Spire Motorsports Ascent Program (@SpireAscent) December 11, 2025
