Written by Dan Jones
2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Kyle Larson, will compete in his second Indianapolis 500 in next year's 109th Running of the 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing,' in the No.17 Arrow McLaren, with support from his NASCAR outfit, Hendrick Motorsports, as confirmed by Larson, Hendrick and McLaren at Charlotte Motor Speedway this afternoon.
Larson, for the second consecutive season, will attempt 'The Double,' the feat of competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 in the same day, which will lie on May 25th next year, totalling 1100 miles of racing in less than a twelve hour span.
The Californian's attempts at 'The Double' were cut short last season, after the Indianapolis 500 was delayed due to inclement weather. This forced Larson into arriving late at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and by the time he had arrived to relieve Justin Allgaier in his usual No.5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, the rain had arrived at Charlotte too, ending the race and denying Larson any opportunity to compete.
Larson will attempt to make amends for that this year though, as both McLaren and Hendrick intend on giving Larson the opportunity to repeat what is often seen as one of motorsport's most difficult challenges. As was the case last season, Larson will receive support from Zak Brown, Tony Kanaan and Jeff Gordon in his attempts.
“I really enjoyed the month of May in Indy and racing with Arrow McLaren but I was really disappointed with missing the Coca-Cola 600 with the No. 5 HendrickCars.com team,” Larson said. “I appreciate the second opportunity because we have unfinished business.
“I really want to complete all 1100 miles, and I think we have the opportunity to battle for the win in both events.”
It was a dazzling display from the 32-year-old on his maiden Indianapolis appearance, as he was crowned 'Rookie of the Year' for his efforts. Larson would reach the Fast Six, and qualify a mighty fifth, ahead of teammates, Pato O'Ward and Callum Ilott. Larson would run in the top ten for the majority of the race, despite a hiccup on an early restart due to his inexperience.
His day would eventually become undone after receiving a drive-through for a pit speed violation on Lap 134, although Larson left with four laps led, and an 18th place finish on his maiden appearance at the Indianapolis 500.
“Kyle showed us all what he was capable of this past May, and given a second chance with betterweather 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.
“He’s one of the most talented racing drivers out there, and it’s a privilege to do this again with Mr. Hendrick and Jeff Gordon, who are both world-class. We can’t wait for May.”
Larson returned to the Indianapolis Oval in July, for NASCAR's Brickyard 400, where he won in overtime for his first Brickyard 400 victory, in the colours that he planned to sport in the Coca-Cola 600, with features of Arrow McLaren papaya on his Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet.
“Kyle had a great Month of May and showed what a gifted race car driver he is,” Hendrick said. “From a sponsorship perspective, we saw an incredible lift for HendrickCars.com and measured a three-to-one return on our investment. It was a monumental effort by all involved, but we didn’t have the opportunity to see it through.
“Everyone learned a great deal that we’ll take into next year. Now that we’ve experienced it once, we know what to expect, which can only make us better and more prepared. Zak and the team at Arrow McLaren are tremendous partners, and we’re looking forward to finishing the job together in 2025.”
Larson becomes the first confirmed Indianapolis 500-only entry, however, the likes of Marco Andretti, Ed Carpenter and Hélio Castroneves are expected to be added to the last in the coming few months as the IndyCar season winds down.
The Californian recently gained attention for his personal comparison to three-time Formula One champion, Max Verstappen, Larson's versatility in NASCARs, Sprint Cars, Midget Cars, and as proven, Indy cars being a large part of his claims.
It is the confirmation of a very popular move in the IndyCar and motorsport world, as Kyle Larson returns to Indianapolis to finish the unfinished business of 2024, as he attempts the illusive 'double' in 2025.
Comments