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For many, racing 1,100 miles in a single day at tracks over 500 miles apart might seem exhausting. But for NASCAR Cup Series star Kyle Larson, it’s more of a welcome challenge—perhaps even a form of relaxation.
Larson is all set to attempt the legendary "Double" on May 25, competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600. Speaking to NASCAR.com on Wednesday, he expressed his enthusiasm and confidence in his preparation.
"I thought I was well prepared the first time. That’s the least amount of travel for me in the summer, so I could really concentrate on the Indy 500," Larson said.
A More Manageable Schedule
Unlike the usual chaos of the Cup season, where Larson balances short-track racing, promotional events, and family commitments, his time at Indianapolis Motor Speedway felt much more structured.
"I was in the motorhome every day. It wasn’t a big deal at all, as far as the stress of travel. It was nice, really," he shared.
A Documentary in the Works
Larson’s ambitious journey will be captured in a documentary by Prime Video. Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon, a five-time Brickyard 400 winner, revealed that filming began last year but was disrupted by poor weather in Indianapolis and Charlotte. This year, they are set to document the full experience.
Focused on the Ultimate Goal
Completing all 1,100 miles is Larson’s primary mission, but he also believes there’s a real shot at victory in the Coca-Cola 600.
"Completing 1,100 miles is the ultimate goal," he emphasized. "I think we have a legitimate chance to win the Cup race."
NASCAR Takes Priority in 2025
One significant change in 2025 is that if weather or scheduling conflicts arise between the Indy 500 and the Cup race, NASCAR will take precedence. Last year’s rain delay at Indy pushed the start time back by four hours, which meant that by the time Larson arrived in Charlotte, the Cup race was already underway. He had hoped to relieve fill-in driver Justin Allgaier, but rain ended the event early, leaving him without the opportunity.
Lessons Learned from 2024
Reflecting on last year’s Indy 500, Larson believes he had a strong performance before a pit-road speeding violation dropped him to an 18th-place finish.
"We have an opportunity to do better this year, and last year went great," he said.
He remains confident about adjusting to the IndyCar setup, given his upcoming testing sessions and familiarity with cockpit and steering wheel changes.
"The racing styles (between IndyCar and NASCAR) are so similar," he noted. "There’s not a lot to learn."
Revealing the Car Liveries
Adding to the excitement, Larson recently unveiled the liveries for both his IndyCar and NASCAR rides, building anticipation for his historic attempt.
A Proven Competitor
Larson’s talent at the Brickyard is undeniable. He qualified fifth for last year’s Indy 500 with an average speed of 232.846 mph over four laps and even led four laps during the race. He also claimed victory in the 2024 Brickyard 400, further cementing his dominance at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
With Larson and Hendrick Motorsports announcing their intent to take on the Double again, all eyes will be on him as he pushes the limits of endurance, skill, and racing history on May 25.
