Kyle Larson’s debut in the Indianapolis 500 on May 26 draws closer by the day, but his mind remains on the current moment as he enters this weekend’s NASCAR.
Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports; HendrickCars.com. Chevrolet Camaro
The California native has been the center of attention in the motorsports world since declaring his plans to run ‘The Double’ – the Indy 500 and the 600-mile Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the same day on Memorial Day Weekend – in early January 2023.
Larson, 31, will be the fifth driver to try the feat, but the first since Kurt Busch in 2014. In 1994, John Andretti was the first to compete in the same-day marathon, followed by Robby Gordon, who tried five times, and Tony Stewart, who attempted two. Stewart’s 2001 effort was the most successful to date, finishing sixth in the Indy 500 and third in Charlotte, and he remains the only driver to complete all 1,100 miles.
Larson’s itinerary has expanded – which is saying a lot given his record for appearing in multiple races outside of NASCAR year-round – with several test drives in an Indy car for Arrow McLaren, including earlier this month at Phoenix Raceway.
