Kyle Larson Aims for Historic Double at Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600
Despite attempts over the years, no driver has managed the “Double” since 2001, yet Kyle Larson is set to make a bold attempt. The Indy 500 will kick off at 12:45 PM at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, followed by the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, North Carolina, about five hours later.
The flight time between the two locations is approximately an hour and a half. Still, Larson, feeling confident, is ready for the challenge.
In a recent interview, Larson shared his thoughts on racing, saying, “I love racing. I like to challenge myself, learning different cars and competing in the biggest races. It’s pretty cool to do two on the same day.” At 32, he feels he is at the peak of his career, recognizing the importance of seizing opportunities while he can. “I’m not sure how long my NASCAR career will last,” he acknowledged, reflecting on the varying levels of competition he has faced.
Larson notes that others, like Tony Stewart, have succeeded in this challenging endeavor. Stewart remains the only driver to complete the full 1,100 miles, having finished sixth in the Indy 500 and third in the Cola 600 back in 2001. Kurt Busch also attempted the double in 2014 but had an engine failure in Charlotte after a solid sixth-place finish in Indy.
Larson tried to accomplish this last year, but rain disrupted the Indy 500 and subsequently led to his not participating in the Charlotte race. He expressed that even though he didn’t complete both races last year, the experience was still beneficial. “Hopefully, the weather will hold up this time,” he added with a hint of optimism.
His primary goal this year? “Completing all the laps.” However, he is also aware of the competitive nature of the sport, comparing his aspirations to those of Stewart. “You want to beat it. Winning one of them would be fantastic,” he remarked.
Winning both races is undoubtedly a hefty challenge, but Larson remains focused. He said, “It’s tough to win the Indy 500, but it’s achievable. The fastest car doesn’t always take the checkered flag. You focus on doing your best; if you make no mistakes, the outcome can be favorable.” His priorities seem clear—while winning either race is a remarkable achievement, he has his sights set on the Indy 500, describing it as a prestigious event.
