Kyle Larson provided the NASCAR star power for the World of Outlaws Craftsmen Sprint Car Series on Wednesday night.

He also gave fans one of the top highlights of the season.

Currently leading the points in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Larson took the opportunity of a midweek show to return to his home state roots at the Placerville Short Track Showdown in Placerville, California. He finished fourth in his nine-driver heat and started the feature 16th.

Larson was making his way forward until he tangled with Jason Johnson. Despite making two complete 360-degree turns (at the 50-second mark of the highlight reel), Larson was able to regain control of his spinning car and point it in the right direction to continue the race.



Larson drifted off course in the next corner and ultimately finished 16th.

David Gravel grabbed the lead at Placerville on the initial green flag but was forced to give it back when a caution waved before the completion of lap one.

That first caution set the tone for the remainder of the race.

On the restart, pole sitter Shane Stewart got a better jump. He led the first 21 laps before getting chased down and passed in heavy traffic by both Gravel and fifth-place starter Rico Abreu.

Soon after giving up the lead, Stewart broke a shock and retired on lap 25--bringing out another caution in the process.

A final stoppage occurred with six laps remaining. Australian James McFadden flipped onto his lid. The red flag was unfurled while track workers returned his sprint car to an upright position, and that set up a dramatic finish.

Abreu dove to the inside of Gravel in turn two on lap 38 in a bid for the lead. Doing so, Abreu tipped his hand and showed the leader where he was strongest. Gravel slammed the door shut in turn three. With his momentum broken, Abreu faded to a 1.147-second deficit and settled for the runner-up spot.

"We haven't really had much luck here at Placerville the last two years, so it feels fantastic to come out of here with a victory," Gravel said after the
checkers.

Gravel's win was his second of the World of Outlaws season, which makes him only the second driver this season to earn multiple wins.



"I saw Rico poke his nose in there late in the race as well, so I moved down to run the bottom coming down for the white flag," Gravel added.

Abreu was happy with the runner-up finish.

"After that red flag we were really good," Abreu said. "Even though I wanted to win, we'll take a second with these guys."

Track promoter Brad Sweet rounded out the top three.

Placerville Short Track Showdown Results