The sprint car circuit has long served as a proving ground for NASCAR drivers, sharpening their throttle control and car-handling skills in ways that translate seamlessly to the Next Gen machines.

Larson nearly had a sprint car land in his lap during a scary wreck that tore up his car. But he simply shrugged it off as part of racing, and he was back at the track the next morning.

Rahmer’s win in the 36-lap 410 sprint car race was worth $6,000. Rahmer started from the pole position and led for most of the distance, although several drivers challenged during the early ...