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Kyle Larson 'applauds' Daison Pursley after getting flipped in Hangtown 100

JHby: Jonathan Howard16 hours agoJondean25
Kyle Larson Hangtown 100
Screenshot credit: FloRacing via X.com

During last night’s Hangtown 100 USAC feature, Kyle Larson was on his way to a win until he got into it with Daison Pursley. Well, Pursley got into Larson, to be more exact. With five laps to go, the race went from exciting to upsetting rather quickly.

In sprint cars, a lot can happen. The USAC Midget race at Placerville last night was a really exciting event. With laps winding down, it was Kyle Larson leading Daison Pursley and Buddy Kofoid. Then the move from Pursley happened.

After getting flipped in a rather poor move from Pursley, Larson made sure he knew how he felt about it. After getting out of his HendrickCars.com machine, Larson gave a slow clap and a double thumbs up to the man who wrecked him.

While the move from Pursley was poor, many of Larson’s detractors in the dirt world believe he’s just as guilty of similar moves. That’s up for debate, but it was not a great slide from the 86 going into Turn 1.

Kyle Larson was on his way to another Hangtown 100 win, but this flip ended his hopes. Daison Pursley went on to win the race in the end.

For what it’s worth, Larson took the wreck in stride and didn’t hit Pursley too hard in his post-race interview.

“We had a good car, a good race going. Daison must have built a run on the cushion behind me,” Larson said to Lee Spencer of FloRacing. “Surprised me on entry to one, and then hit the grease, and I kinda had nowhere to go. So, yeah, just a bummer, but I mean, I get it, just because my entry was closed off, so he was going to have to pull the trigger right there. Just, oh well, I guess. I wish it wouldn’t have happened, I’m sure he wishes it wouldn’t have happened.”

Kyle Larson didn’t get the win but he showed that he is still the most versatile driver in this hemisphere and perhaps the world. His ability to just jump in a Midget car and dominate a race like he was able to last night, amazing. Fresh off his second NASCAR championship, even more impressive.

Don’t worry, Larson will be racing again. I’m not sure when, but likely soon. Everyone will be wondering if we see him back in Tulsa for the Shootout or Chili Bowl. He’s won the Cup championship the last two times he’s won the Chili Bowl. Why not try it again?

While we are in the NASCAR offseason, I am excited to see some dirt racing. When do you think we see the next Christopher Bell vs. Kyle Larson showdown on dirt?