High Limit Racing Faces Controversy: Former Employee Kevin Nouse Alleges Malpractice
It’s turmoil at High Limit Racing, the sprint car series co-owned by NASCAR champion Kyle Larson and his brother-in-law Brad Sweet. A firestorm erupted after former technical director Kevin Nouse made explosive allegations on social media, calling into question the series’ integrity. Nouse, who held the role for just seven months before being dismissed on June 17th, has shared claims that have sent shockwaves through the motorsports world.
Kevin Nouse Speaks Out on Alleged Rule-Breaking
Founded in 2023 with much promise, High Limit Racing carried the weight of two reputable names—Larson and Sweet. However, the cracks began to show behind the scenes, as Nouse, formerly the All Stars Circuit of Champions series director, found himself clashing with High Limit’s series director, Mike Hess.
Taking to social media, Nouse said his intention wasn’t to harm sprint car racing but to emphasize the importance of rule enforcement and fairness. “It’s not my intention to damage anything concerning Sprint Car racing. I have nothing against High Limit, the World of Outlaws, or anyone else. Sprint car racing is thriving and it’s awesome to see,” Nouse shared. He stressed the need for integrity in racing, adding, “‘Don’t bring it back,’ ‘quit looking for that,’ or ‘just let it go’ shouldn’t be in a series director or tech director’s vocabulary.”
Among the most damning claims, Nouse alleged:
- A 1.25” wicker bill violation on a winner’s top wing went unpenalized at Hess’s insistence.
- An engine with two crank triggers, despite rules allowing only one, was ignored with the directive to “quit looking for crank triggers.”
- A confiscated MSD box from a team could not be opened due to alleged directives preventing further inspection.
“It has to do with integrity,” Nouse emphasized, calling for proper rule enforcement to maintain a level playing field. “As a fan, a driver, or an official, I want to be sure that the playing field is level, and the only way to ensure that is for these tracks and series to hire people with that mindset.”
High Limit Racing Responds to Allegations
High Limit Racing swiftly denied the claims, releasing a statement that reaffirmed its commitment to fairness. “High Limit Racing believes in a fair and equal playing field for all competitors. Any claims to the contrary are unjustified. We’re focused on the success of our inaugural international event and continuing to improve the sport of sprint car racing.”
While Nouse’s allegations have sparked debate, the timing coincides with High Limit’s push into the international racing scene. The series recently held its first event outside the U.S., a three-day competition at Perth Motorplex in Australia, featuring a $100,000 prize for the winner.
Commenting on the international expansion, Kyle Larson said, “All of us at High Limit are excited to take the first step in expanding our brand to an international level.” Looking ahead, the series announced ambitious plans for 2025, with a whopping 60 races scheduled to elevate sprint car racing further.
What’s Next for High Limit Racing?
As Nouse’s allegations cast a shadow over the series, the motorsports community is divided. Will the claims prompt an investigation, or will they fade as High Limit Racing presses forward with its vision? One thing is certain: with High Limit Racing’s rapid expansion and high stakes, the pressure to uphold fairness and integrity has never been greater.
