By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer.
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — May 31, 2025 — Grass Valley native and reigning Kubota High Limit Racing champion Brad Sweet was disqualified Saturday night at Michigan’s Butler Motor Speedway after failing to report to post-race scales. Sweet had crossed the finish line in third after the 30-lap feature, but was penalized for bypassing technical inspection, a routine requirement for drivers placing in the top five.
The disqualification drops Sweet from third to 25th in the official results, a rare setback for the five-time World of Outlaws champion who currently leads the 2025 High Limit Racing standings. The bypass was reportedly due to a flat right-rear tire sustained during the final laps of the race.
“I didn’t see the scales and just tried to get off the track before the tire shredded the rim,” Sweet said in a brief post-race interview with DIRTvision. “That’s on me. We’ll regroup and get ready for the next one.”
Saturday’s feature win was claimed by Justin Peck, followed by Aaron Reutzel. Rico Abreu, who originally crossed the finish line in fourth, was moved up to third following Sweet’s DQ.
Sweet, 39, has long been a household name in sprint car racing, not only for his on-track success but also as co-founder of High Limit Racing alongside NASCAR Cup Series champion and brother-in-law Kyle Larson. The series, launched in 2022, has become one of the premier sprint car circuits in the nation, boasting over 50 events and a $5 million prize pool in 2024.
Despite the disqualification, Sweet remains a respected figure in his hometown of El Dorado County, where his family roots run deep. His grandfather Bud Sweet founded Sweet Septic Systems in 1972 in Placerville, and the family business remains a well-known local service provider. Sweet’s rise from Placerville’s back roads to national dirt racing fame continues to inspire young racers across the region.
The next High Limit Racing event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, at Eagle Raceway in Nebraska.