Kyle Larson competed in the highly anticipated 2026 Tulsa Shootout but was unable to secure the coveted Golden Driller, with Daison Pursley taking the victory on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The event drew attention across the racing community, where Larson’s presence underscored the significance of the Kyle Larson Tulsa Shootout 2026 showdown.
Pursley Claims His First Golden Driller at Tulsa Shootout
Hendrick Motorsports standout Kyle Larson entered the 2026 Tulsa Shootout with momentum, having recently won the High Limit Racing International at Perth Motorplex and collecting a $110,000 AUD prize while driving Jason Pryde’s #1K sprint car. Despite his international racing successes, Larson faced a different challenge in Tulsa. Focusing only on the Winged A-Class this year, he competed against a stacked field, while last year he entered four different divisions.
Daison Pursley, meanwhile, started the race from pole position and, after fifteen years of effort, finally claimed his maiden title at the Tulsa Shootout. Pursley led from start to finish in the 30-lap event at Tulsa Expo Raceway. The intense competition saw Pursley remain at the front despite persistent challenges.
Larson’s Run: From Sixth Place to Fourth
Kyle Larson started from sixth on the grid and advanced through the field, relentlessly pressuring Pursley as the race unfolded. In a gripping moment between the front runners, Larson and Pursley made physical contact in turns 3 and 4, adding intensity to the closing laps. Pursley managed to keep his car under control after sliding sideways, while Larson slipped back to finish fourth, just missing the podium. Meanwhile, Steven Snyder Jr. and Jeffrey Newell rounded out the top three, joining Pursley on the winners’ steps.
Larson Reflects on NASCAR’s Winner-Takes-All Format
In November 2025, Kyle Larson—then reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion—appeared on the “Rubbin is Racing” podcast, discussing the sport’s modern championship-deciding system. Addressing the one-race championship finale, he stated,
“I don’t think there’s ever a clear one hundred percent”: Kyle Larson shared his honest take on the one-race championship format in NASCAR
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series champion.
Significance of the 2026 Tulsa Shootout Outcome
Kyle Larson’s result at the 2026 Tulsa Shootout highlights both the competitive nature of grassroots racing and the unpredictable outcomes that define marquee motorsport events. Daison Pursley’s triumph marks a career breakthrough, signaling his arrival on a bigger stage, while Larson’s continued appearances in prestigious races—from High Limit Racing International in Perth to the Tulsa Expo Raceway—demonstrate his ongoing commitment to multiple racing disciplines. The close battle among Jeffrey Newell, Steven Snyder Jr., and Larson reaffirmed the depth of talent at the Tulsa Shootout, leaving fans and competitors eager for next year’s showdown.
🏁 𝗗𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗬 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗔 𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥!!@DaisonPursley, in his 15th A-Main at the @TulsaShootout, holds off @KyleLarsonRacin to win Winged Outlaw! pic.twitter.com/XhvKWwQVkZ
— 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 (@Walkapedia_) January 4, 2026
