NASCAR’s Kyle Larson Will “Do the Double” Again Next Memorial Day, But With One Big Condition

It was no secret that 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson left some unfinished business on Memorial Day weekend in his failed attempt to "do the double"-race in the Indianapolis 500, then in the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Persistent rain in Indianapolis delayed the start to the Indy 500, where Larson finished 18th after a pit road speeding penalty moved him out of contention. He then flew on a private jet to Charlotte, where the 600 had already started. Larson was unable to turn a single lap at the similarly rain-delayed 600, and required a special dispensation from NASCAR to compete in the 2024 championship, where eligible drivers are expected to start every race. After much grumbling, NASCAR allowed Larson to run for another title.

That won't be needed in 2025, something that was made clear at Tuesday's press conference in Charlotte announcing Larson's plan next year to complete the double, again running in the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Arrow-McLaren entry at Indianapolis, a car owned by his NASCAR team owner, Rick Hendrick.

Larson will be in Charlotte to start the Coca-Cola 600, regardless of what happens in Indianapolis, Hendrick said at the press conference. "We're going to run the 600," Hendrick said. "We will be here for the 600 if that means cutting the race short at Indy because of my commitment to NASCAR." Tony Kanaan will serve as relief driver if Hendrick has to pull Larson out of the 2025 Indy 500, which would likely happen only if there is another rain delay in Indianapolis.

"We're in NASCAR, and that's where we run for the championship. If weather catches us, Tony will get in the car," Hendrick said. Asked if he would pull Larson out of the car if Larson was leading the 500, Hendrick said: "We're going to be here."

Larson impressed a lot of people in his first Indianapolis 500, where he qualified fifth in the Arrow-McLaren car at a speed of 233.43 mph. "I wouldn't do it if I didn't feel like I had the opportunity to win both races," Larson said. "I know that's a very difficult task but I know it can be done, especially being with a team like Arrow-McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports."

McLaren CEO Zak Brown agreed. "Kyle showed us all what he was capable of this past May, and given a second chance with better weather conditions, I think we'll all be excited to see him fight for a win at the Indy 500 and then another one in Charlotte," Brown said. "We can't wait for May."

Larson is considered a top contender for the 2024 Cup championship, although after one race in that championship, last weekend at Atlanta, a bad finish of 37th left him 10th in the 16-driver Playoff standings. But he has nine races left, so all is not lost as long as he is able to advance.

Still, Larson seems laser-focused on next Memorial Day weekend. "I love to race and I love to compete in big events. Had it gone perfect logistically, I think I would still want to do it for sure because I wouldn't have won the Indy 500," Larson said. "I would like the chance to someday win it. It's not a different style of racing, so I feel very experienced there and I feel like someday I could win. The stars have to align."