Travis Pastrana is a name synonymous with adrenaline and defying gravity. From motocross and rally racing to base jumping and even a stint in NASCAR, Pastrana has consistently pushed the limits of what’s possible. His fearless approach and infectious enthusiasm have made him a global icon in the world of extreme sports. From skydiving without a parachute in partnership with Red Bull to completing the first successful double backflip at the X Games, Pastrana has done some wild stuff.
Beyond his own impressive feats, Pastrana has always been a champion of other disciplines, recognizing and celebrating excellence across various motorsports. Recently, he has turned his attention to the high-octane world of Sprint Car racing, particularly the High Limit Racing series. But what is it about this particular series that has captured the attention of such a legendary daredevil?
Travis Pastrana adds to his list of feats
High Limit Racing, co-founded by NASCAR star Kyle Larson and his brother-in-law Brad Sweet, has quickly become one of the most exciting series in motorsports. Known for its high-speed 410 Sprint Cars and intense competition on dirt tracks, the series has drawn attention for its thrilling races and elite drivers. Its unique blend of raw power and skillful driving has captivated fans and competitors. Recently, the series caught the eye of extreme sports legend Travis Pastrana, who is no stranger to pushing limits.
For weeks, speculation swirled about Travis Pastrana’s potential involvement. Ridge & Sons Racing, which fields High Limit full-timer Aaron Reutzel in the No. 87 car, fueled rumors with social media posts teasing the No. 199. Fans quickly realized that this was Pastrana’s iconic number. His possible entry into Sprint Car racing created a buzz among fans eager to see him conquer another motorsports challenge.
The rumors became reality when Travis Pastrana took his first laps in a 410 Sprint Car during a test session at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last Friday. The test was held ahead of High Limit Racing’s season opener at the Sin City half-mile. Under the mentorship of Kyle Larson, Pastrana experienced the adrenaline-fueled world of Sprint Cars firsthand. Describing the experience as “Maybe the most extreme thing I’ve ever done,” Pastrana’s words carried weight given his history of death-defying stunts and achievements across multiple disciplines.
Travis Pastrana is not strange to putting his body and life on the line for the thrill of motorsports. He broke the world record for the longest-ever rally car jump in 2009, with a distance of 292 feet. You thought that was daring? That’s just another day in Pastrana’s life. Making the trip to Las Vegas would have brought memories of his BASE jump off the 64th floor of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Such thrilling endeavors are what make Pastrana such a revered person in extreme sports and motorsports. So it’s no surprise that team co-owner Brian Ridge was thrilled to have him at HLR.
“Maybe the most extreme thing I’ve ever done.”
Sprint Cars get high praise from @TravisPastrana. pic.twitter.com/BEUGYn2qeR
— High Limit Racing (@HighLimitRacing) March 14, 2025
Co-owner of the team Brian Ridge shared insights into how this collaboration came to life. “We thought it would be cool to get Travis in a Sprint Car so he can learn how to drive it,” he told FloRacing. “Travis was all about getting in it and getting to learn. We worked with him and his folks, and then worked with Kyle Larson’s folks… We’re going to teach (Travis Pastrana), and then as he progresses, hopefully have him in a car racing,” he further added. Ridge’s comments reflect both excitement and confidence in Travis Pastrana’s ability to adapt to this demanding form of racing.
With Pastrana officially stepping into High Limit Racing, fans are eager to see how he performs in this new venture. For Travis Pastrana, this new chapter represents yet another opportunity to push his limits while embracing the thrill of competition. His involvement not only brings star power to the series but also highlights its growing appeal among motorsports legends.
A bright future for High Limit Racing
Under the direction of Brad Sweet and Kyle Larson, High Limit Racing is implementing creative measures to guarantee its long-term viability and expansion. In an effort to establish a reliable revenue model for its race teams, the series recently revealed a new franchise system.
Over the following four years, up to $18 million in prize money will be distributed through this initiative. This indicates a substantial investment in Sprint Car racing’s future. Ten High Limit Racing teams will join the franchise system in 2026, giving team owners the option to sell or transfer their franchise and generating long-term value.
For team owners, the franchise system seeks to offer stability as they are long-term investments. The top five finishers in the 2024 championship standings have already received franchises from the series. The average point finishes from the 2024 and 2025 seasons for drivers who did not receive a franchise in 2024 will determine the next five franchises, creating a system of perpetual growth and participation.
The franchise system in High Limit Racing bears similarities to NASCAR’s charter system, but with key distinctions tailored to the Sprint Car world. Both systems aim to provide stability and long-term value for team owners. However, High Limit Racing’s version awards franchises (or charters) based on performance and mandates participation in all races. On the other hand, NASCAR’s system includes stricter field size limits and allows the leasing of charters. Both systems reflect a shift toward treating racing teams as business entities, aligning their interests with the growth of their respective series.
The thrill of High Limit Racing is not limited to the domain. Travis Pastrana’s close friend, YouTuber Cleetus McFarland, indicated interest in testing with him. However, logistical difficulties made it impossible. Sprint Cars are designed to accommodate smaller drivers, while McFarland towers at 6 feet 6 inches. “But he’s so tall. We have to have a tall-cage car,” Ridge said. McFarland’s interest underscores the growing appeal of Sprint Car racing to a broader audience of extreme sports enthusiasts.
High Limit Racing is well-positioned for future success. The exhibit is laying the groundwork for a successful future with its creative franchise structure, the addition of fresh talent like Travis Pastrana, and growing fan involvement. As High Limit Racing continues to grow in popularity, it promises to deliver thrilling racing action and captivate audiences worldwide.
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