Kyle Larson’s Biggest High Limit Racing Cash-Gamble Has Concerned Fans Worried About One Thing

“Organized gambling would be bad for our sport… I’ll fight it to the end!” NASCAR founder and former CEO Bill France Sr. was clear about his views on gambling. Motorsports has long attracted people who like to stake their money on fast cars. France may have disliked it, but NASCAR hopped aboard the sports betting bandwagon when a Supreme Court allowed all gambling to be regulated. Kyle Larson, arguably the best Cup racer at present, is also on a similar path – but fans prefer to take Bill France’s side.

After founding the High Limit Racing Series in 2022, Kyle Larson and his brother-in-law Brad Sweet have brainstormed ways to grow the series. Steps included offering attractive purses to talented drivers and also cutting the schedule from 86 to 20 in 2023. Now, the fraternal duo is introducing something new for the fans – although the latter are skeptical.

Kyle Larson staying true to his nickname

Indeed, ‘Yung Money’ is on a mission to spread his pecuniary passion and he is following in the footsteps of his parent series. NASCAR joined the world of legalized sports gambling in September 2020. It created history, becoming the first league to partner with the American Gaming Association. Subsequently, it appointed authorized gaming partners – BetMGM, WynnBET, and Penn Entertainment. Although the sport does not receive a percentage of all bets placed, NASCAR has deals with data suppliers. Now, the 2021 Cup Series champion is also introducing this betting culture to his own series.

In a recent interview, Brad Sweet outlined the basic idea of this venture. “We’re going to launch a partnership with AllSports. So we’re going to have sports betting on High Limit races in 2025. We think that will be a great added aspect for fan engagement and more reason for fans to tune in to watch what High Limit’s doing.” He added how sports betting is growing internationally. “Across the world… fan engagement is super-competitive in any outdoor entertainment. There’s a lot of sports betting going on… We have an exciting product… If (fans) are tuned in and sports betting, it’s showcasing our drivers.”

Speaking to Brad Gillie on Race Industry Week live, Larson shed light on what makes High Limit Racing work, earlier this month. “You know, you have to have the money to do it and crowds play a big part in that. So, we try to strive for making our show really entertaining to get the crowds and all that…” said Larson. Well, one way to bring in a crowd is to make them wager on your races, and High Limit Racing has opted to go down that path.

This prospect seems bright for Kyle Larson‘s project, which kicked off barely two years ago. However, he also needs to keep in mind the perils that sports betting has wrought in the past. This year, Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was a victim. His longtime interpreter allegedly stole more than $16 million from the Japanese athlete to cover gambling debts. Then, in a 2022 NFL incident, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley was found to have bet on multiple NFL games, which led to his suspension. NASCAR has strict rules in place to prevent drivers or employees from betting on any aspect of the sport.

Hence, fans are highly doubtful about Kyle Larson’s new endeavor.

Trending

1

“Where the F—Are You?” – Amy Earnhardt’s Furious Hunt for Dale Jr. After Vegas Goes Off the Rails

2

Dale Earnhardt’s Imitator Thrown Under the Bus at Texas as He Takes Out Innocent Drivers as Collateral

3

Jimmie Johnson and Co. Put Their Off-Track Troubles Aside With Historic Run in Texas

4

Kyle Larson Fails to Carry the Momentum After an Upset Loss Against Sprint Car Giant

5

Tony Stewart Warns Kyle Larson of Impending Disaster, Confessing His ‘True Successor’ in NASCAR’s Ace

Racing community raises its eyebrows

Well, gambling has always been a controversial topic. When the Federation of Professional Athletes intended to bring parimutuel betting to auto racing in 1961, Bill France Sr. vehemently opposed it. His decision stayed that way for decades. Prior to 2018, when gambling was confined to Nevada, 1-2% of all bets placed were on NASCAR. Somebody questioned Kyle Larson about the safeguards surrounding his gambling project. “So how are we going to protect the integrity of your series from the top? This has controversy written all over it.” Somebody else simply deflated the whole idea as nothing more than a fluke. “Because that’s what’s needed…more stupid sports betting.”

Moreover, the past NFL and MLB incidents act as sore memories for sports fans. Although NASCAR has a strict no-gambling policy placed on drivers and is linked with Sportsradar, “NASCAR’s integrity partner,” greed can overcome anybody. So one fan surmised Kyle Larson’s growing series faces a huge risk: “It could either destroy the series with inside betting, or it could make it more popular. I’m leaning towards insider betting.. they don’t. Make enough money, greed will be out there.” Somebody else also chimed in, claiming distrust with inside officials harboring extra interests. “I’m not anti-gambling, but I don’t care for this. I think that racing results can be manipulated by teams and/or officials who may secretively have action on the races.”

Kyle Larson embarked on his High Limit Racing venture only in 2022. In competing to become a World of Outlaws competitor, Larson merged with Tony Stewart‘s All-Star Circuit of Champions. So the series is still in its growing stage – which spells more risks to hiring the right faculty. So one fan warned Larson about his gambling venture: “Phenomenal idea….. Just be sure to have a hell of a tech director. Another national tour started this last season only to have tech inspections go by the wayside. Funny business going on? Probably not. Conflict of interest?? Absolutely!! Big fan of your series, good luck!!”

Evidently, the amount of excitement expected from fans has been less than expected. We can only wait and see if Yung Money’s pecuniary adventure works out.