Massive Crashes And Kyle Larson-David Gravel Feud Mar Eldora Sprint Car Races

Famed Eldora Speedway in Ohio is hosting the biggest events of the summer in Sprint Car racing this weeks. But sadly, the weekend has thus far been marred by huge crashes and a feud between NASCAR star Kyle Larson and World of Outlaws star David Gravel.

Larson began the weekend by taking home $100,000 with a win in the High Limit Racing “Joker’s Jackpot” event. After the victory, Larson proceeded to take a backhanded shot at NASCAR while promoting the High Limit series, which he co-owns.

Scary Sprint Car Crashes Mar Huge Weekend Of Racing At Eldora Speedway

But Larson’s victory wasn’t the talk of the night. Instead, a massive turn-one wreck that sent several drivers flipping and one to the hospital stole headlines.

Driver Tyler Courtney had to be extracted from his vehicle and taken to the hospital after the wreck. Thankfully, his fiancée told fans that after a successful surgery, Courtney is expected to make a full recovery in the coming months.

Sadly, that wasn’t the last time fans would talk about a huge crash during the weekend. On Friday night at the World of Outlaws “Knight Before” event, driver Aaron Reutzel was involved in a flipping crash that caused severe injuries.

Reutzel, like Courtney, had to be extracted from his car and taken to the hospital. His team, Ridge Sons Racing, released a statement on Saturday updating his condition.

“Our primary focus has been on ensuring that Aaron and his family are okay,” the statement read in part. “We are relieved to report that Aaron has been discharged from the hospital, though he did sustain a fractured right foot. He will be seeing a specialist in the coming days to determine the next steps for his recovery.

“We kindly ask that you continue to keep Aaron, his family, and the entire RSR team in your thoughts and prayers. We will provide further updates as they become available.”

Shortly after the Reutzel crash, fans and drivers began to question the safety of both the track and the cars.

“I’m not even driving and I’m scared of turn 1 right now,” driver Zeb Wise posted on X. “It truly is scary to watch. I feel as if we are getting incredibly lucky with some of these crashes. Sure hope everyone drives a little safer and smarter the rest of tonight and tomorrow.”

“Lap times should not be in the low 13 second bracket in the feature,” one fan wrote. “MPH should not be 120+ for 30 laps with 30 cars on the track. Let’s just hope more drivers don’t get sidelined the rest of the year from this week of racing.”

Kyle Larson And David Gravel Share Tense Exchange Following Eldora Sprint Car Race

While Larson was all smiles after his win on Thursday night, things were a bit different on Friday night. Larson finished third in the World of Outlaws feature. But it’s what happened after the race that drew headlines.

Larson and fellow star David Gravel raced aggressively throughout the feature event. But when Larson passed Gravel with a late slide job in the final turn, Gravel took exception.

Gravel spun Larson out after the race concluded, and the two parked next to one another on track and exchanged words.

Two of your top drivers got hurt this week maybe that would open your eyes on how to race with respect. If you and all your fans think that how you race in a sprint car is racing with respect you are fooled. I will take all the smoke. As far as the contract better make it good. https://t.co/S6FHHmqg7C

— David Gravel (@DavidGravel) July 19, 2025

In a post-race interview, Gravel expressed his displeasure with the way that Larson raced him, particularly given the fact that Larson does not race sprint cars full-time. He then took to social media to respond to a post by Larson.

“Two of your top drivers got hurt this week,” Gravel wrote. “Maybe that would open your eyes on how to race with respect. If you and all your fans think that how you race in a sprint car is racing with respect, you are fooled. I will take all the smoke. As far as the contract, better make it good.”

Larson and Gravel will be back on track together Saturday night for the 42nd annual Kings Royal, with the winner taking home $200,000. But sadly, the biggest sprint car racing weekend of the year has been overshadowed by crashes by trash talk.