Knoxville, Iowa – July 19, 2025 – Sprint car racing’s top driver, David Gravel, isn’t shying away from rivalries as he chases a third consecutive World of Outlaws championship. The two-time champion is known as much for his on-track prowess as for his willingness to speak his mind, a trait that has ignited feuds with fellow racers like Kyle Larson.
A Championship Forged in Competition and Controversy
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David Gravel’s success is intertwined with a competitive spirit that doesn’t hesitate to challenge rivals, both on and off the track.
- Gravel’s rivalry with Kyle Larson escalated after on-track contact at Eldora Speedway and continued at the Knoxville Nationals.
- The emergence of the High Limit Sprint Car Series has created a divide in the sport, with Gravel expressing mixed feelings about its impact.
- Gravel embraces a confrontational approach, drawing comparisons to racing legends like Dale Earnhardt and Sammy Swindell.
Last year’s incident with Larson at Eldora Speedway’s Knight Before the Kings Royal, where contact occurred during the cool-down lap, spilled over into the Knoxville Nationals, marked by pointed exchanges throughout the week. A Twitter exchange between the two drivers highlighted the tension, with Gravel and Larson engaging in a public back-and-forth.
“I know when someone is racing me differently, especially when it’s not even for racing reasons, and I have a problem with that,” Gravel said, reflecting on the incident. “Kyle and I are fine and good now but he had a problem with my crew chief (Cody Jacobs) and he took that out on me. I wasn’t cool with that.”
The High Limit Challenge and a Divided Sport
The emergence of High Limit Sprint Car Series, co-founded by Larson and Brad Sweet, has added another layer of complexity to the racing landscape. Gravel acknowledges the financial benefits the series has brought to the sport, but also expresses concern about its divisive nature.
“The thing with High Limit, is that it’s frustrating sometimes, because while it’s good for the sport with how we’ve all seen purses grow because of what happened, it’s also bad for the sport,” Gravel explained. “You go out and win a championship and people give you an asterisk because this guy left or everyone isn’t racing together now.”
Sweet, a five-time World of Outlaws champion, has been a key figure in High Limit’s development. Gravel acknowledges Sweet’s contributions to the sport, stating, “Brad, I have a lot of respect for him and what he’s trying to do. Without the competition, I don’t think we pay what we pay today with the World of Outlaws.”
Embracing the Role of the Antagonist
Gravel isn’t afraid to embrace a role as the sport’s antagonist, often responding to boos from the crowd with unfiltered honesty. He draws parallels to racing icons like Dale Earnhardt, Steve Kinser, and Sammy Swindell, who were also known for their outspoken personalities.
“If 50 percent of the fans are booing you, while you’re talking, I’m going to speak the way I feel,” Gravel stated. “I just feel like, if 50 percent of the fans are booing you, while you’re talking, I’m going to speak the way I feel. Dale Earnhardt did that. Steve Kinser was one of the most outspoken racers. Sammy Swindell as well.”
Despite the controversies, Gravel remains focused on winning. His success on the track, evidenced by his two championships and frequent visits to Victory Lane in his Big Game Motorsports No. 2 car, speaks for itself. He intends to continue racing with the same intensity and honesty that have defined his career.
