Kyle Larson has expressed ambivalence about the recent announcement that Rico Abreu will replace Donny Schatz at Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) for the 2026 Kubota High Limit Racing sprint car series season. Larson, co-founder and co-owner of the series alongside six-time sprint car champion Brad Sweet, recognizes the significance of this merger but is conflicted about what it means for the sport and his own interests.
Larson Acknowledges Benefits But Regrets Losing an Independent Team
Larson spoke with FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass about the merger, highlighting both positive and negative aspects. He praised the partnership as a boost for the High Limit series but also lamented the loss of an independent team within the sprint car ecosystem. Larson remarked,
“I think it’s great for High Limit to have TSR (Tony Stewart Racing) merge with Rico and be with us,”
demonstrating his recognition of the potential growth this alliance could bring.
However, Larson also expressed his disappointment regarding the merger’s impact on team diversity, stating,
“But at the same point, you’re losing a team in the whole ecosystem, so that part is unfortunate.”
This reflects his concern that the consolidation might reduce the competitive variety that is crucial to sprint car racing’s vibrancy.
Larson further acknowledged Tony Stewart’s busy commitments, which made the merger a practical solution. He said,
“But I think Tony has so much on his plate now that it makes things a lot easier to team up with Rico and still be involved in sprint car racing. They’re great friends too, so I wasn’t surprised when I heard it.”
Background: Stewart’s Sale of All-Star Circuit and High Limit’s Growth
The merger comes in the wake of Stewart selling the All-Star Circuit of Champions (ASCC) sprint car series to Larson and Sweet at the end of 2023. The new owners paused ASCC operations in 2024 to integrate it into the High Limit Racing brand, which returned this season with the goal of strengthening the series’ visibility and competitiveness.
While the merger may strengthen High Limit long term, Larson’s disappointment appears tied to the surprise nature of the announcement and earlier promises made by TSR. Reportedly, TSR had committed to Larson and Sweet that it would not join High Limit for two years following the sale, a period slated to end before the 2026 season. Now, with TSR aligning with Abreu’s family team sooner than expected, Larson’s concerns about competition and rivalry intensify.
Rivalry Intensifies as Abreu Joins TSR
Beyond the business aspects, Larson also faces the possibility that his fiercest competitor, Rico Abreu, now has access to TSR’s extensive resources. This could give Abreu and TSR a significant advantage in upcoming seasons. Abreu himself appeared enthusiastic about the opportunity, stating,
“We’re real excited to bring TSR to High Limit.”
He emphasized the value of associating with a well-established organization, saying,
“I think that’s really incredible for the sport to have an organization and for me to be associated with an organization with that championship mold and incredible infrastructure, we’re going to be able to bring this amazing sprint car team that’s associated with mine some love. It’s going to be incredible opportunity for everybody.”
Abreu Leads High Limit Standings Under Experienced Guidance
Currently topping the High Limit points standings, Abreu benefits from seasoned leadership. His crew chief is Ricky Warner, a National Sprint Car Hall of Famer who guided Donny Schatz to unprecedented success between 2005 and 2018. During their partnership, Schatz and Warner combined for 264 wins, ten World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series championships, and ten Knoxville Nationals victories.
Warner joined Abreu’s team in 2022 and has helped secure 44 feature race wins. With the switch to TSR, Abreu will gain further advantages through the resources and infrastructure provided by the storied racing team.
Abreu described the merger as an alignment with the top tier of sprint car racing organizations, stating,
“I see it as tying myself to a top-tier establishment,”
adding,
“If you really break it all down, resource-wise, when it comes to data and dissecting Sprint Cars on the mechanical side and infrastructure internally, like, I can’t provide my team with what (Stewart) has built over 25 years.”
Looking Ahead: What the Merger Means for the 2026 Season
If Abreu maintains his lead and clinches the championship this season, he will enter next year’s campaign with a strengthened platform under TSR. He will pilot the No. 24 car and take on team management responsibilities, closely mirroring his current role with his family outfit.
The transition for Abreu will be seamless geographically, as his current race shop in Brownsburg, Indiana, is just two miles from the TSR facility. This proximity ensures operational continuity and facilitates efficient collaboration between the teams.
The Kyle Larson TSR merger carries high stakes, generating both optimism about series advancement and unease about shifting rivalries. As the sprint car racing community anticipates the 2026 season, the collaboration between TSR and Abreu is poised to reshape the competitive landscape and test Larson’s strategic response moving forward.
Kyle Larson on Rico Abreu and Tony Stewart Racing merging their sprint-car programs next year with Abreu competing in High Limits with TSR. pic.twitter.com/ZbxAfBI9vy
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 20, 2025
