High Limit Racing: Kyle Larson’s “Embarrassing” Error Upsets NASCAR Fans

After a bittersweet end to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, Kyle Larson was expected to shine in his off-season dirt racing events. While he’s set for a historic run at the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals, it was an overseas High Limit Racing event that captured the racing world’s attention. The inaugural event, hosted by the series co-owner at Perth Motorplex, offered a lucrative $100,000 prize.

James McFadden, the Australian driver, claimed victory on the first night, leading many to focus on Larson for a potential comeback. Larson appeared to be in top form and was on track to secure another sprint car win. However, a mistake while navigating Turns 1 and 2 cost him dearly.

Larson was in the lead with 22 laps remaining, but McFadden was closing in. In a bid to hold off his challenger, Larson attempted a risky maneuver to pass lapped cars as they approached the corner. Despite a solid entry into the corner, Larson’s car lost grip on exit, sending him into the concrete wall. The rear of his sprint car took a heavy hit. Larson tried to keep the car going, but the damage forced him to relinquish his lead. McFadden, seizing the opportunity, went on to claim back-to-back wins at the Perth Motorplex.

Flo Racing shared footage of Larson’s crash on X, leaving his fans disappointed at the missed chance for victory.

💥 Trouble for the leader! @KyleLarsonRacin gets into the wall at @PerthMotorplex!@HighLimitRacing pic.twitter.com/snNfIOIv1C

— FloRacing (@FloRacing) December 29, 2024

NASCAR Fans React to Larson’s Error

NASCAR fans have high expectations for Larson, given his versatility across racing disciplines. While fans didn’t dwell on his inability to convert a solid NASCAR season into a championship run, the mistake in Australia stirred frustration. One fan expressed their disappointment, saying, “Well, time to turn this f—ing garbage off. Dude looking stupid as f–k as usual to end the year. Thanks for embarrassing us fans again.”

Although Larson isn’t known for making critical mistakes at pivotal moments, 2024 has seen a few missteps. His title bid likely ended after hitting the wall at Homestead-Miami Speedway, a must-win race to secure a spot in the Championship 4. Despite a strong recovery early in the race, Larson spun out again with 13 laps to go, finishing 13th. He couldn’t get the job done at Martinsville against a determined Ryan Blaney. Connecting these dots, a fan remarked, “This is classic Larson. Being a fan of his, you watch every race expecting him to either do great or wreck it.”

NASCAR fans are known for taking every opportunity to mock rival teams or drivers, but Larson’s consistent performance usually prevents them from doing so. His blunder at Perth Motorplex, however, gave his critics a chance to take jabs. One fan, poking fun at Larson’s nickname, tweeted, “#hungmoney.”

It’s clear that luck wasn’t on the #5 team’s side during the critical playoff races this season. Despite wins at Bristol and the Charlotte Roval, Larson fell short at Las Vegas and Homestead—both mile-and-a-half tracks, which were his strengths in 2024. One fan, frustrated by Larson’s costly error in Australia, said, “He does that in a cup car every other week too.”

However, some fans weren’t overly concerned with the outcome. This wasn’t Larson’s final off-season race—he’s still set to compete in the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals. Moreover, Larson has a chance to start his 2025 NASCAR season strong with a win at the Daytona 500. Despite his success, the Daytona 500 trophy has thus far eluded him. One fan reassured, “Get the stupid mistakes out now before Chili Bowl and Daytona. It’s fine!”

This misstep at Perth Motorplex is unlikely to diminish Larson’s drive to compete in various racing environments. With more dirt racing events on the horizon, Larson will have ample opportunities to bounce back from this costly error.