Kyle Larson Finally Conquers Australia with High-Stakes Sprint Car Win
Kyle Larson, the superstar of Hendrick Motorsports, is no stranger to victory lanes. Known for his unparalleled skill behind the wheel, the NASCAR ace has proven time and again that he can dominate on any track, in any vehicle. From stock cars to sprint cars, Larson’s talent knows no bounds. While his achievements in events like the Chili Bowl Nationals and the Turkey Night Grand Prix are well-documented, one challenge remained: securing a sprint car win in Australia.
That elusive victory finally came during the 2024 High Limit Racing series at Perth Motorplex, an event Larson had been eagerly eyeing. Despite a rocky start, he clinched his first Australian sprint car win in dramatic fashion, putting an end to a series of near-misses and heartbreaks.
Larson Shatters James McFadden’s Dominance
The three-day High Limit Racing event in Perth brought intense competition, with hometown hero James McFadden stealing the show early on. On the first two days, Larson faced setbacks, including a hard crash into the concrete wall exiting Turns 1 and 2, which left his team scrambling for repairs. Reflecting on the frustrating streak, Larson admitted, “Obviously, when you have a car that good and then you make a mistake… it crossed my mind after. But no, I mean, we’re really, really fast, so as long as I can keep it out of the wall tomorrow, I think we’ll have a good shot.”
Larson’s words proved prophetic. On the final day, with 9 laps to go, he executed a daring move on the inside lane, overtaking McFadden to take the lead. Though McFadden fought valiantly, Larson held his ground, delivering flawless laps to secure the win.
Not only did Larson earn the prestige of victory, but he also took home a whopping AU$100,000, the richest payout in Australian sprint car history. The win ended McFadden’s bid for a clean sweep of the event and marked a triumphant moment for Larson, who had long sought to conquer the Perth Motorplex.
Australia: A Favorite Destination for Yung Money
Despite his breakthrough win, Larson has no plans to bid farewell to Australia. The country holds a special place in his heart, particularly the vibrant city of Perth and its state-of-the-art racing facilities. Speaking to Sprint Car Hub, Larson said, “I love it. It’s a quick trip for me. I think I’d burn out if I was here for two and a half, three weeks. But here for a week is nice; just come and race and get out. The city of Perth is really nice.”
He continued, “It’s beautiful weather, an awesome facility, and then the racetrack is top-notch too. I hope to keep coming back. The travel’s not too bad; it doesn’t feel as long as it looks like on paper.”
What’s Next for Kyle Larson?
With his Australian sprint car mission accomplished, Larson now shifts his focus to the Chili Bowl Nationals, slated for January 13, 2025. His versatility and passion for racing have drawn comparisons to legends like Tony Stewart, as Larson continues to prove that his prowess extends far beyond NASCAR.
For now, the 2024 trip to the Land Down Under will remain a defining chapter in Kyle Larson’s illustrious career. “Yung Money”, as fans affectionately call him, has shown that no matter the location, the car, or the competition, he is a force to be reckoned with.
