For the second consecutive year, NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson is targeting the challenging “double” feat at the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day.
Some have dubbed Larson’s attempt the “Hendrick 1100.” However, if bad weather delays the Indianapolis race again, he’ll shift to Charlotte, where Arrom Claren has a backup plan in mind.
And it’s quite the plan B.
If Larson has to skip the race after qualifying, the team principal of Arrom Claren will take over his seat. That would be none other than Tony Canaan, the 2013 Indianapolis 500 champion and 2004 IndyCar champion.
To get Canaan ready, he participated in a “refresher” test on Thursday, driving 15 laps at speeds of 210 to 215 mph, followed by another 15 laps at 215 mph.
After the test, Canaan remarked that the experience was “great.”
“As always, it’s great,” Canaan shared during a press conference. “After the initial lap, we came into the pit. I did an installation wrap. I’ve never taken driving an IndyCar for granted,” he added.
Reflecting on his two-year gap, he said, “I had the coolest job in the world for 26 years, and now I need to keep myself in check for 30 laps.”
“It was amazing,” he continued. “I feel fortunate. This place never disappoints. It was a special moment, especially having my mechanic from 2013, Kyle Sagan, present.”
“He wasn’t meant to be there this morning, yet he showed up. It made for a special moment. Even after a few laps, I was just having fun,” he said.
The only way Canaan could step in for Larson at the Indianapolis 500 is if weather delays force NASCAR drivers to shift to Charlotte. Recently, NASCAR revised its “playoff exemptions” rules. Now, drivers who miss races due to playoff participation can still be exempt, but will have to forfeit any accumulated playoff points and won’t earn more points for the remainder of the season.
This rule change means Larson prioritizes the Coca-Cola 600, so, should Indianapolis face weather delays, his focus will shift to Charlotte.
Meanwhile, Canaan is preparing as if he could once again compete in the Indianapolis 500.
Despite that, the 2013 champion is readying himself in the pits rather than the grid as the 500 approaches on Memorial Day.
“I’m the team principal, and I have commitments until I’m needed on Saturday night. I think I’m in shape for it, but I might feel it after the race,” he noted.
“But I’m focused on my responsibilities. The sponsors and partners at this event make it special for them. I won’t think about the race until Sunday morning. If it rains, I’ll just drink a bit more water.”
