ROSSBURG, OH – September 18-20, 2025 — The legendary Eldora Speedway once again delivered three nights of thrilling open-wheel action during the 43rd running of the 4-Crown Nationals. From Thursday through Saturday, fans were treated to dramatic passes, stunning comebacks, and history-making performances—none more memorable than that of Daison Pursley, who completed a rare and remarkable sweep of the USAC portion of the weekend.
Thursday: Strong Starts for Danner & Reinbold
The 4-Crown Nationals kicked off Thursday night with the USAC National Sprint Cars and USAC National Midgets features.
In the USAC National Sprints, Briggs Danner charged to victory from the outside front row. Kyle Cummins clawed his way up from fifth to finish second, while Kevin Thomas Jr., who started from the pole, held on for third.
Later in the USAC National Midgets feature, Hayden Reinbold put on a show, storming from sixth to take the win. Thomas Jr. once again finished runner-up—his second P2 of the night—while Jakeb Boxell completed the podium after an impressive drive from ninth.
Click here for detailed race results.
Friday: Reutzel Strikes, Pursley Emerges
Friday night belonged to Aaron Reutzel—at least at first. In the High Limit Sprint Cars feature, Reutzel and Rico Abreu battled ferociously. Abreu looked set to win before a late red flag bunched up the field. With just two laps to go, Reutzel made a bold move into turn one, sliding past Abreu and defending the lead to the checkered flag. Chase Randall came home third after starting sixth.
Then came the Great Lakes Super Sprints (GLSS)—and the emergence of a name that would define the weekend: Daison Pursley. Starting deep in 11th, Pursley masterfully navigated traffic to take the win. JJ Hickle delivered a standout drive from 17th to finish second, while DJ Christie, who started on pole, settled for third.
What nobody knew then: this was only the beginning for Pursley.
Click here for detailed race results
Saturday: Pursley’s Historic Hat Trick
Saturday night at Eldora became the stage for one of the greatest performances in 4-Crown Nationals history.
Pursley’s Strike #1 came in the USAC National Sprint Cars feature, where Pursley started third and quickly worked his way to the front. He held off a determined Kyle Cummins (who again finished second from fifth), while Kevin Thomas Jr. secured yet another podium in third.
In the High Limit Sprint Cars finale, the Reutzel vs. Abreu saga continued. This time, Rico Abreu had the final word, climbing from eighth to take the win. Giovanni Scelzi, starting ninth, also got around Reutzel to snatch second. Reutzel had to settle for third.
But the spotlight swung right back to Pursley.
Pursley’s Strike #2 came in the USAC National Midgets A-Feature. Starting seventh, Pursley picked off his rivals one by one, eventually pulling ahead of a strong field. Kevin Thomas Jr., in yet another consistent showing, finished second. Logan Seavey charged up from eighth to take third.
And then came the finale: the USAC Silver Crown Series feature. Starting from second, Pursley saved his best for last. He outdueled pole-sitter C.J. Leary to claim his third USAC win of the night and fourth of the weekend, making him only the fourth driver in history to sweep the USAC divisions at the 4-Crown Nationals. Carmen Perigo, in one of the night’s biggest surprises, charged from 20th to claim third.
Click here for detailed race results
A Night for the Record Books
With his clean sweep of the USAC Sprint Car, Midget, and Silver Crown features, Daison Pursley joins an elite club of only three other drivers to achieve the feat:
- Jack Hewitt (1998) – The original legend
- Kyle Larson (2011) – The modern-day superstar
- Logan Seavey (2023) – Last year’s dominant force
- Daison Pursley (2025) – The new name etched in dirt track history
Championship Implications: Abreu on Top
In the 2025 Kubota High Limit Racing standings, Rico Abreu’s victory on Saturday solidified his position at the top of the driver championship. He now holds a 72-point lead over Brad Sweet, with just seven races remaining.
In the Owner Championship, Abreu’s team leads by 28 points over Ridge & Sons Racing, tightening the chase for the $250,000 prize.
Final Thoughts
The 43rd 4-Crown Nationals delivered everything fans love about Eldora: dirt-slinging action, underdog triumphs, and legacy-defining moments. But the weekend will forever be remembered as the Daison Pursley Show, where a young driver joined legends by putting together a perfect performance on one of dirt racing’s grandest stages.
With momentum like this, don’t be surprised if Pursley’s name continues to rise in the ranks of USAC royalty.
Click here for the galleries with all the photos of the 43rd 4-Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway!
