Kyle Larson and the High Limit Racing organization attracted criticism following a controversial fuel leak incident during their annual International event at Perth Motorplex, Australia, on December 28. The discussion around driver safety and rule enforcement took center stage after Larson, despite experiencing mechanical issues, remained on track, sparking intense reactions from fans and stakeholders of the sprint car series.
Controversy Erupts After Fuel Leak Incident
The High Limit International featured a three-night sprint car showdown at the Perth Motorplex, where anticipation was high given Kyle Larson’s participation. The event experienced a dramatic turn when Larson, co-owner of High Limit Racing and a prominent figure in American motorsport, encountered a flat right rear tire during the race, ultimately finishing 17th. Notably, despite a fuel leak, officials allowed him to continue, which did not sit well with the sprint car community watching both locally and internationally.
Corey Day, racing for Hendrick Motorsports, maneuvered his way into an early lead after Kaiden Manders, an Australian competitor, started from pole. The first caution surfaced on lap 21 after Larson slowed down due to the tire failure. Almost immediately, criticism erupted online and at the venue, as spectators questioned the decision to allow Larson’s car to remain in competition amid a significant safety concern involving a leaking fuel tank.
“Kyle Larson with a fuel leak and they still send him out is wild,”
a fan wrote.—Fan
“No rules for the owners of this trash series,”
another replied.—Fan
Fan Backlash and Questions of Fairness
The incident cast a harsh spotlight on High Limit Racing’s rule enforcement, especially given Larson’s dual role as both driver and co-owner, alongside his brother-in-law, Brad Sweet, a five-time World of Outlaws champion. Their stewardship has built up interest in the series, but such controversies provoke concerns about impartiality when safety issues arise.
“Larson gets to race with a leaking fuel tank …come on HL ..bad look,”
a fan stated.—Fan
“A sprint car safety counsel doesn’t do shit when you push off Larson when he has a leaking fuel tank,”
another shared.—Fan
“Sending Larson back on track with a leaking fuel cell some the most kangaroo puncher shit I’ve ever seen,”
another fan wrote.—Fan
While the debate raged, the race itself pressed onward. Corey Day clinched victory in the Night 1 Feature of the High Limit International, after his debut saw him finish second the previous evening. He surged from the fourth position and overtook Manders on lap 9, holding the front for 21 of the 30 laps, and pocketing the $15,000 winner’s share. Manders secured second place, followed by Dayne Kingshott in third, giving the local crowd pride alongside frustration over the ongoing rules dispute.
Larson Prepares for Title Defense Amid Ongoing Scrutiny
Looking ahead, Kyle Larson aims to defend his High Limit International title on Night 2, as the stakes grow even higher with an AUD $110,000 winner’s purse for the event finale on December 30 at the 1/3-mile dirt oval at Kwinana Beach. Last year, Larson notched his first career Australian victory by winning the International, adding further intensity to the debate about his presence and leadership in the series.
This edition of the High Limit Series brings together standout drivers, including Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate Corey Day, close friend Rico Abreu, co-owner Brad Sweet, and Australian frontrunners such as Dayne Kingshott, James McFadden, and Callum Williamson. Prior to the climactic night, competitors will duel once more on December 29 for a $15,000 preliminary purse, promising more drama both on and off the track as fans and insiders continue to scrutinize every decision regarding race management and driver conduct.
The fuel leak controversy and subsequent reactions underscore the complex relationship between safety protocols, team ownership, and fan trust within top-tier sprint car racing. As the week’s events unfold, all eyes remain fixed on High Limit Racing and Kyle Larson, with the broader sprint car community bracing for further debate and potential policy changes in the wake of this polarizing incident.
Kyle Larson with a fuel leak and they still send him out is wild
— Idontknowanything (@ralphgator) December 28, 2025
No rules for the owners of this trash series
— Schnoyder5 (@schnoyder5) December 28, 2025
Larson gets to race with a leaking fuel tank …come on HL ..bad look
— Kirk Lawrence (@nodramazone2020) December 28, 2025
A sprint car safety counsel doesn’t do shit when you push off Larson when he has a leaking fuel tank…
— IowaAvsFan (@IowaAvsFan) December 28, 2025
Sending Larson back on track with a leaking fuel cell some the most kangaroo puncher shit I’ve ever seen @braddoty18 @bradsweetracing @KyleLarsonRacin
— gonehiking1125 (@gonehiking1125) December 28, 2025
