Kyle Larson honors Bryan Clauson this May by leading the Bryan Clauson Hero Classic, a heartfelt two-day racing event at Kokomo Speedway designed to celebrate Clauson’s legacy and the lifesaving power of organ donation. The tribute underscores a decade since Clauson’s passing and reflects how motorsport figures like Larson continue to ensure iconic drivers are never forgotten.
A Decade On: Larson and the Racing Community Reflect on Bryan Clauson
When racing legends are lost, their memory is carefully preserved by fellow drivers, teams, and fans, shaping the ongoing story of NASCAR and sprint racing. Ten years have passed since Bryan Clauson’s tragic death, yet his influence stands as strong as ever, especially with Kyle Larson among those leading efforts to remember him. High Limit Racing, co-owned by Larson and Brad Sweet, has taken the initiative to keep Clauson’s legacy vibrant through special events.
The Bryan Clauson Hero Classic is set for May 8 and 9 at Kokomo Speedway, a track held dear by Clauson and his family. With this expanded two-day event, the focus is not only on Clauson’s illustrious racing achievements—over 100 USAC victories and 10 USAC championships—but also on the meaningful cause of organ donation that became attached to his name after his tragic passing in Kansas. Clauson’s commitment to donation saved five lives and sparked thousands of new donor registrations in the aftermath.
It’s important to us that Bryan Clauson’s life & legacy is never forgotten. On May 8-9, we’re teaming with @Driven2Save to continue honoring him & promoting organ donation with a two-day High Limit race at BC’s favorite place, @KokomoSpeedway,
High Limit Racing posted on X.
Honoring a Friend and Advancing Organ Donation
Clauson’s loss in a midget car crash deeply moved the motorsport landscape. Nearly 4,000 people registered as organ donors in the first month after his death, reflecting the profound influence his story and example had on race fans and the community. Throughout the Hero Classic weekend, organizations like Indiana Donor Network and Driven2SaveLives will pay tribute to all organ donors, further solidifying this event as more than just a race—it’s a celebration of life and selflessness.
Kyle Larson’s bond with Clauson shone publicly in 2016. That August, Larson claimed his first NASCAR Cup Series win at Michigan for Chip Ganassi Racing by triumphing over Brad Keselowski and Chase Elliott. Rather than focusing solely on his accomplishment, Larson notably dedicated the victory to Clauson, showing how the drivers’ community continually supports one another through moments of triumph and loss.
Family Memories and Community Gatherings at Kokomo Speedway
The upcoming Hero Classic also holds deep personal importance for Bryan Clauson’s family. Tim Clauson, Bryan’s father, emphasized how special it is to celebrate both his son’s donor legacy and his connection to Kokomo Speedway, a place that welcomed their family as their own.
It’s hard to believe it’s going to be 10 years since the loss of Bryan,
said Tim Clauson, Bryan’s father.
Getting to remember Bryan and to celebrate, not only his decision to be a donor hero, but also celebrate 10 years of saving lives, through the Driven2SaveLives program, is special. Bryan’s sprint car career started at Kokomo Speedway. And this track became home not only to Bryan but also to our family.
Tim Clauson, Bryan’s father.
We’re looking forward to honoring and celebrating with the racing community. We welcome everyone to Bryan’s ‘place of worship’ for the inaugural Driven2SaveLives Bryan Clauson Hero Classic at Kokomo Speedway.
Tim Clauson, Bryan’s father.
Both the Clauson family and High Limit Racing hope the event becomes a rallying point for the racing community to gather, reminisce, and reaffirm their support for the causes Bryan cherished.
Kyle Larson’s Drive Continues: Team Enhancements and Future Ambitions
While planning the tribute, Kyle Larson remains invested in his own competitive trajectory. Hendrick Motorsports, where Larson is a key driver, has announced a significant partnership with Atrium Health—launched with news from Vice Chairperson Jeff Gordon. Their collaboration is bringing a new 35,000-square-foot Atrium Health Motorsports Athletic Center to the Hendrick campus in Concord, North Carolina, promising to upgrade every aspect of athlete and team preparation.
The demands of NASCAR are different from any other sport. The schedule is relentless, the margins are extremely tight, and performance is about preparation as much as it is execution,
Jeff Gordon said.
This new facility allows our coaches and staff to work side by side with Atrium Health clinicians, ensuring every aspect of training, recovery, and readiness is aligned. Everything in this space is designed around our athletes and our teammates.
Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairperson of Hendrick Motorsports.
Larson himself highlighted the announcement in a playful manner, promising to make the most of the all-new training amenities provided. The facility includes a
high-performance gym with the latest training equipment, modern locker rooms, a team operations center for race-day competition operations, a nutrition area, athletic meeting and film rooms, and dedicated spaces for physical therapy, hydrotherapy, and recovery.
These advancements signal that while Larson continues to honor his friend’s memory, he remains determined to push forward in his own career, aided by the latest in health, training, and strategy resources.
What This Means for Racing Fans and the Wider Community
The upcoming Hero Classic demonstrates that the bond shared by racers, teams, and supporters extends well past the finish line. By orchestrating a celebration at Kokomo Speedway—the backdrop for many of Bryan Clauson’s career highlights—Kyle Larson and the Clauson family are inviting the motorsports world to participate in an event that unites legacy, action, and a vital cause. The partnership with purposes like organ donation infuses the races with additional meaning, ensuring Bryan Clauson’s memory continues to lead change and inspire good well beyond the track.
As the 2026 season approaches, attention will turn to both the champion drivers on the circuit and the enduring impacts of events such as the Bryan Clauson Hero Classic. Kyle Larson’s tribute not only secures his late friend’s place in racing history—it galvanizes a new generation to celebrate life and legacy in motorsport.
It’s important to us that Bryan Clauson’s life & legacy is never forgotten.
On May 8-9, we’re teaming with @Driven2Save to continue honoring him & promoting organ donation with a two-day High Limit race at BC’s favorite place, @KokomoSpeedway.
𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄: https://t.co/xp8MsNONye pic.twitter.com/xUbcXWTbqg
— High Limit Racing (@HighLimitRacing) January 8, 2026
