Kyle Larson, a NASCAR Cup Series driver, claimed a significant $100,000 prize by winning the High Limit Racing Joker’s Jackpot sprint car race at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. This victory marks Larson’s return to prominence on the dirt track, his first Eldora win since capturing the Kings Royal in 2021, and was confirmed in a race-day tweet by motorsports journalist Jeff Gluck.
On a packed Thursday night during the 2025 Kubota High Limit Racing Joker’s Jackpot, Larson fought a strong battle with polesitter Rico Abreu before taking the lead on lap 20. Despite multiple caution periods and a major six-car crash, Larson maintained control through the 40-lap main event, ultimately securing the win.
Anthony Macri impressively advanced from 11th starting position to finish second, while Abreu held on for third place. The remainder of the top five included Aaron Reutzel and Corey Day. This victory was Larson’s 10th career win at Eldora, yet notably his first sprint car triumph there in two years. Beyond the payout, the result reaffirms Larson’s status in the dirt racing community and adds another substantial boost to his sprint car earnings.
Larson Reflects on Hendrick Motorsports’ Move in NASCAR Points Standings
While celebrating his Eldora success, Larson also discussed the latest developments in the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season points race ahead of the Sonoma Raceway event. He acknowledged how swiftly the points landscape has shifted, with his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott emerging as a major contender.
During a Saturday pre-race press availability, Larson candidly expressed his surprise at Elliott’s consistent performance this season, as reported by Bob Pockrass.
“We’ve lost track a little bit there, and others have been doing a good job. And Chase is always consistent. So, he’s just quietly kind of there. After his win that he had (at Atlanta), I was shocked. I didn’t even know he was that close in points.” —Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series driver
The current standings highlight a tightening battle at the top. Former leader William Byron has struggled recently, recording four finishes of 27th or worse in his last five outings, including two consecutive DNFs, dropping him to 632 points overall. Chase Elliott sits just 13 points back at 619, with Kyle Larson close behind in third at 613 points. Denny Hamlin and Tyler Reddick also remain within striking distance, creating a fiercely competitive five-driver race for the regular-season crown.
Implications for NASCAR’s Regular-Season Championship Chase
Kyle Larson’s Eldora High Limit win not only adds a lucrative sprint car victory to his resume but also brings renewed attention to his ongoing battle for the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season title. With the points race tightening between Larson, Elliott, Byron, Hamlin, and Reddick, the upcoming races—including the challenging Sonoma Raceway event—will be crucial in determining who will hold an advantage heading into the postseason.
This result signals that Larson remains a formidable force both on dirt tracks and in NASCAR’s top-level competition, sustaining his momentum as the season progresses. The intensified competition promises an exciting conclusion to the regular season and sets the stage for a heated playoff contest among these top contenders.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kyle Larson better than Verstappen?
A. Larson might not be able to defeat Verstappen in Formula 1 races. However, he is more skilled in different types of racing. According to Bianchi, Larson deserves credit because he has a more complete list of achievements. He is winning races in many different kinds of cars.
