Kyle Larson has long been a powerhouse in the Motorsports World with his accolades
speaking for himself. While winning marquee events like the Coca-Cola 600 and Brickyard
400 did give him joy, there is a major feat that he wishes to achieve in order to stamp his
authority.
'The Double'
The feat is about racing on the biggest day in motorsports and pulling off 'The Double'. The
double refers to the term for competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600
on the same day covering a 1,100-mile race. It is organized on Memorial Day weekend
featuring the Indy500 clashing against the NASCAR Cup Series‘ Coca-Cola 600 on the
exact same day.
Hardest Feats
It is one of the hardest feats and Only five NASCAR names have put their
toes into it. The list features Kurt Busch, Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart and John
Andretti, and Kyle Larson. The coveted Double has been only completed once by Tony
Stewart in 2001. John Andretti was the first to attempt it in 1994 and Larson was the last to
do so in 2024.
Last Year's debacle
He failed to achieve the feat as the rain gods had another plan and the Indy 500 was
delayed for rain. The Hendrick Motorsports had spent a lofty amount and thus he was kept at
Indianapolis Motor Speedway devoid of the opportunity. Kyle finished 18th and was left with
no time to attempt the NASCAR race.
The race is hard as it requires to first run 500 miles in Indy500 and then immediately fly to Charlotte for the Coca Cola 600 which is 600 miles.
The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion has decided to give another shot to script his
name in history in 2025 hoping for things to go smoothly as planned this time.
Sharing his thoughts on attempting the Double he said,”'I really want to do it again because I
didn’t technically get to do it. I want to do the double, what it would be like to run 1,100
miles”.
He will be featured in an Arrow McLaren again.
The Barriers
But the question that arises is it wise to attempt the failed technicalities?
The New NASCAR playoff rules clearly states that a driver who misses a race due to
non-medical reasons will lose all their playoff points. The loss can seriously derail Larson's
championship aspirations if the Star needs to leave Indy 500 early to make himself available
to start the Coca-Cola 600.
'Our priorities probably look different' - Larson
While Larson has all these dreams going in his head the reality is disappointing. Hendrick
Motorsports Team owner Ricky Hendrick has already made it clear that their priority for the
32-year-old will be the Coca-Cola 600. The decision will inevitably pull him out of Indy 500 to ensure he starts the NASCAR Race
In an interview before the 2025 Cup season he said “Had that new rule been in place or not.
I think our priorities probably look different for this coming Indy 500 and double attempt
anyways. It is what it is.”
The endeavor is a risky one for Larson as the 2025 championship goal can suffer a major hit
and prioritizing Coca-Cola 600 looks the best case for him. It is a more strategic decision for
his future but as they say 'With great risk comes great reward'. In order to reap the benefits
of the risk, Larson has to exhibit his prowess behind the wheel.