Kyle Larson controlled nearly the entire Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway in California. The race covered 100 laps on a tight dirt surface. He started fast and stayed out front, maintaining a steady and confident pace throughout most of the event.
### Dramatic Final Lap Crash
Everything changed on the final lap when the race took a dramatic turn. The scene shifted from routine dominance to a major crash that brought the crowd to a sudden silence.
As the checkered flag approached, Daison Pursley closed in on Larson. Pursley attempted a slide job in turn four, entering low in an effort to move ahead. However, he struck the inside berm and lost control. His car bounced into Larson’s vehicle, sending Larson flipping through the air.
Pursley crossed the finish line first, claiming the $20,000 prize.
“With five laps to go, Larson entered Turns 1 and 2 in the high lane, while runner-up Daison Pursley fired his No. 86 car down into the inside line. As he attempted to pull off a slide job for the race lead, the move turned out to be quite the misjudgment,” reported Tobbie Christie.
Larson’s car spun four times in the air before coming to a stop on its side, bringing the race to a halt. Thankfully, Larson climbed out uninjured. He even took a moment to sarcastically clap at Pursley and give him a double thumbs up before being driven off the track, according to Naman Srivastava of ProFootballNetwork.com.
USAC reviewed the incident and ruled it a racing incident, issuing no penalty. This decision aligned with available video and radio transmissions.
### Hangtown 100 Context and Driver Field
Larson grew up racing on dirt tracks and often returns during the NASCAR offseason. The Hangtown 100 attracts a strong driver lineup from USAC and other racing series. The event is an excellent opportunity for drivers to keep their reaction timing sharp.
Dirt midget racing demands constant steering input and fast decision-making. Larson led most laps and showed strong, consistent speed before the wreck. While the finish did not reflect his dominant effort, his performance proved his comfort and skill in this type of racing.
The race also highlighted just how tight dirt racing gets in traffic. One small error or bump can decide the outcome, as there is virtually no margin for error in the corners. Drivers rely heavily on their instincts and race inches apart from one another.
### Kyle Larson’s 2025 NASCAR Season
Larson’s 2025 NASCAR season driving the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports unfolded exactly as he hoped. He advanced through the playoff rounds by staying both fast and smart.
He earned a win at Watkins Glen during the Round of 16 and secured his spot in the Championship 4 with a strong performance and victory at Homestead-Miami.
The title race at Phoenix was filled with pressure, late cautions, and nerve-wracking moments. Ultimately, a final restart decided everything. Larson executed it perfectly, holding off the field to clinch the championship.
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Kyle Larson’s Hangtown 100 performance and 2025 NASCAR season demonstrate his versatility and resilience as one of racing’s top talents.
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