Kyle Larson, known for his keen interest in NASCAR as well as other forms of racing such as Sprint car and Dirt racing, has consistently showcased his talent across various disciplines. His success is not unfamiliar to NASCAR fans, but he is now poised to make history after joining Arrow McLaren for the Indy 500 event.
In a recent interview with Bob Pockrass, Kyle Larson discussed the challenge he would face as he has two major events scheduled on the same day. Despite this, he expressed his determination to attend both and join the elite group of drivers, including Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch, who have accomplished this feat in the past.
Kyle Larson will try to become the fifth driver to do both the Indianapolis 500 and Coke 600 on the same day. What it means to him to be part of history and whether he could get NASCAR to start the 600 a little later if he wins the 500 (which he isn’t expecting). pic.twitter.com/0D3w6JrZ3s
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 9, 2024
Furthermore, Kyle Larson emphasized his dedication and passion for racing, stating that his focus is not solely on making history but on his genuine love for the sport. While he hopes for good weather and support from NASCAR to extend the Charlotte Coke 600, his primary goal of Kyle Larson is to participate in both events and continue doing what he loves most.
Kyle Larson to join these four drivers
Four drivers have attempted the historic double of racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day during Memorial Day weekend. Here’s the list of those drivers
- Robby Gordon: Robby Gordon made his first attempt in 1997 and qualified for both races, but the Indy 500 was postponed by rain and was eventually completed two days later. He also attempted The Double in 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2004
- Tony Stewart: Tony Stewart raced The Double twice, in 1999 and 2001. Out of all the drivers who have attempted to complete both races, Stewart is the only one to finish both, doing so in a combined 7 hours, 43 minutes, and 42 seconds in 2001. During that historic day, Stewart finished sixth at Indianapolis and third at Charlotte.
- John Andretti: In 1994, John Andretti became the first driver to start both races. He started the Indy 500 in the third row, two rows behind his cousin Michael and one behind his uncle Mario. John ran as high as third and finished 10th, four laps behind winner Al Unser Jr. After flying to Charlotte, Andretti eventually finished 36th, dropping out on lap 220 with engine failure.
- Kurt Busch: Kurt Busch is the most recent driver to compete in both races at Indy and Charlotte. He did so in 2014, finishing sixth at Indianapolis and being the highest-finishing rookie. Busch tied Gordon and Stewart with his sixth-place finish in Charlotte, which equaled the best showing for The Double Drivers.
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