Kyle Larson has made it clear that High Limit Racing (HLR) will resist adopting a playoff system similar to NASCAR’s, arguing the format is not the most just way to determine a champion. Larson addressed the issue during the latest episode of High Limit Room, reinforcing his commitment to a season-long competition model in which consistent performance is rewarded, as the debate over playoff structures continues in motorsports.
Larson Firmly Rejects Winner-Take-All Formats for High Limit Racing
Fresh off a season that ended with Rico Abreu securing the HLR title after a 13-win campaign—including a decisive victory at Texas Motor Speedway—Larson was pressed on the idea of introducing a playoff format to HLR. Abreu’s triumph propelled Rico Abreu Racing to the top of HLR’s new franchise system, which was recently established to provide more structure to the competition and incentives for teams. Starting in 2026, the leading ten teams will receive a share of an $18 million payout over four years, with five teams chosen based on their 2024 rankings and the remaining five decided by average finishes across 2024 and 2025.
The new franchise approach borrows some concepts from NASCAR’s charter system, prompting discussions about whether HLR might one day adopt other NASCAR-style elements, such as playoffs. Addressing these comparisons, Larson voiced strong opposition to winner-take-all finales and the playoff mindset, positioning HLR as a series committed to fairness and consistency in crowning its champions.
“I would hope, and I’m pretty certain, that will never happen in sprint car racing. Like, even the late model playoff that they have, I think, is better than what we have in NASCAR, but still it’s not like, I don’t know. It’s not fair. Or not the fairest way. To me, it doesn’t even really add that much excitement at all to a dirt season,” Kyle Larson said(via On3.com)
“So, no. No, there will be no playoff or winner-take-all sort of thing. Hopefully, I think, even in NASCAR, I hope we’re done with the winner-take-all, it sounds like. So, yeah, fans don’t have to worry about that. I don’t want to keep going on because I’ll get myself in trouble talking,” he added.
Larson’s conviction in maintaining a traditional points structure for sprint car racing remains strong, even as other series experiment with playoff models. Alongside Larson, his HLR co-owner Brad Sweet remains a central figure—Sweet finished second in the 2025 standings after winning the 2024 championship, continuing a streak of competitive consistency. Larson himself won the inaugural HLR season in 2023, underlining the emphasis on year-to-year performance over late-season drama.
Kyle Larson Questions Impact of NASCAR’s Planned Horsepower Increase
Separately, NASCAR is preparing to implement a horsepower increase up to 750 hp starting in 2026, impacting road courses and ovals measuring under 1.5 miles. The adjustment marks a step up from the current 670 hp configuration, stirring debate among drivers about whether the change will meaningfully improve the racing product. Larson has voiced skepticism about the anticipated results, cautioning observers not to expect sweeping transformations in competition style or quality.
“I hope you (media) guys don’t promote the sh*t out of it like it’s going to fix everything, because it’s not way different,” Larson said in an interview with The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck.
The rule, if successful, could extend to additional tracks of 1.5 miles, but not all drivers are convinced it will deliver major effects. Dale Earnhardt Jr., also a vocal sceptic, has suggested any distinctions might prove marginal, though he left open the possibility that a double-header event with boosted horsepower could prove otherwise. However, the consensus among key figures like Larson appears to be that incremental mechanical changes won’t solve larger competition challenges within the sport.
Future Directions: What’s Next for High Limit Racing and NASCAR?
As HLR continues to grow with its charter-inspired system, Larson’s refusal to embrace a NASCAR-style playoff reflects a deeper commitment to racing tradition and the values he believes keep the sport authentic. Questions about the future of playoffs in high-profile racing remain open, as do debates about how best to enhance competition and value for fans. With influential voices such as Larson and Earnhardt Jr. expressing doubts over major format changes—whether playoffs or horsepower increases—both HLR and NASCAR must grapple with evolving fan expectations and competitive fairness as they look ahead to future seasons.
