Realistically, How Many Teams can Afford to go on Tour?

Now that we know High Limit Racing will be a direct competitor of the World of Outlaws, how many teams can truly afford to run a full time national schedule? How many teams will follow Brad Sweet from the Outlaws to High Limit? Earlier in the week, we discussed the potential for a regional angle, but with that out the window, the commitment to run the High Limit series just became much larger.

Realistically, there are about 15-20 sprint car teams outside of the 2023 full time Outlaws and All Stars that could adjust their schedules to run nationally. The obvious choices are Rico Abreu and Brent Marks. They both like the flexible schedules that let them run wherever and whenever they want. With the High Limit series announcing that they will not restrict their teams, will that be enough to provoke Abreu and Marks?

The three main teams that competed with the All Stars in 2023 were Zeb Wise in the Rudeen 26, Tyler Courtney in the Clauson/Marshall 7BC and Kerry Madsen in the Vermeer 55. All of these teams could continue with a national schedule. I would be shocked if Wise or Courtney were not signed on full time with High Limit in 2024.

A guy like Justin Peck, who loves a loaded schedule, could definitely be another name to look for to join High Limit. Peck didn’t run full time anywhere in 2023, and actually stayed pretty local. Will the tow money and points fund be enough to convince Peck and his team?

Outside of those teams, the Crouch Motorsports no. 1 and 11 teams could both potentially join High Limit. They have not announced a driver yet for 2024, but it is expected that we will see a similar presence for the upcoming season. Regardless of who the driver is, they will definitely be a team to watch. Brenham Crouch, who made great strides in his sprint car career in 2023 by winning the IRA Championship, could also be ready to make the jump.

Chase Randall really broke out in 2023 and caught the attention of fans across the country. Realistically, he is one of the only other drivers that I could see be ready to make the commitment to a national tour.

Then comes to the possibility of the 2023 World of Outlaws competitors following Sweet over to High Limit. I don’t see guys like David Gravel, Carson Macedo or Logan Schuchart leaving the Outlaws. They will all have a good opportunity to run for a very lucrative points championship. Donny Schatz probably isn’t going anywhere and Gio Scelzi will look to improve on his rookie campaign. I wouldn’t rule Scelzi out just yet, but I don’t think he is one of the favorites to make the switch.

That leaves the Roth Motorsports team with James McFadden and Buddy Kofoid. The team has been loyal to the Outlaws over the years but the relationship has been a bit rocky. The Roth team has a good relationship with the Kasey Kahne Racing team and that could be a factor. Could we see both JMAC and Buddy be full time High Limit drivers?

Rumors were circulating that the CJB no. 5 and Spencer Bayston could be one of the first teams to announce their switch. This is the most likely candidate, as they could be looking for a change in scenery and more flexibility with their schedule. The same can be said about Brock Zearfoss, who struggled immensely in 2024 with the Outlaws. The potential for a schedule that allows Zearfoss to target some tracks he runs well at during High Limit off weeks could be a motivating factor.

So what is the most likely roster for full time High Limit drivers? We can’t be sure but it could look something like this:

Brad Sweet

Kasey Kahne

James McFadden

Buddy Kofoid

Brock Zearfoss

Zeb Wise

Tyler Courtney

Spencer Bayston

Brenham Crouch

Crouch Motorsports no. 11

Chase Randall

Justin Peck

Kerry Madsen/Vermeer 55

If even half of those drivers sign on, it’s already a huge victory for High Limit. Stay tuned.