Kyle Larson ran the weather delayed Indy 500 and missed the NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 entirely
On Sunday, Kyle Larson attempted to run 1,100 miles of racing. The day started with the Indy 500 in Indianapolis. The plan was to run at night in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Few drivers have pulled the double, running both the Indycar and NASCAR race in the same day. Both are the longest races for each respective series.
Things started going south when the start of the Indy 500 was delayed due to weather. Larson elected to stay and run the Indycar race, knowing he’d miss the start of the NASCAR race.
In North Carolina, Justin Allgaier jumped behind the wheel of the No. 5 car. The plan was for him to then climb from the car when Larson arrived in the middle of the race.
Larson spent most the day toward the front in the Indycar race. Unfortunately, during a green flag pit stop, he locked up the tires and slid through the pit entry zone, speeding. He went a lap down.
Larson was able to get back on the lead lap but he never returned to the top 10.
Indy 500 Results: May 26, 2024 (Indycar Series)
After completing the Indycar race, Larson hopped in the helicopter. He made it all the way to North Carolina just as the rain began to fall on the NASCAR race.
Larson was suited up with his helmet on and ready to jump into the No. 5 car. However, he never got the opportunity.
Instead, NASCAR engaged in a multi-hour attempt to dry the Charlotte Motor Speedway. They eventually called the race and the NASCAR Cup Series point leader missed the race.
Charlotte Results: May 26, 2024 (NASCAR Cup Series)
Kyle Larson reflects on The Double
“What I thought could be one of the best days of my life quickly turned into one of the most disappointing ones I’ve ever experienced,” Kyle Larson opened on Monday via social media.
“I hate it for Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon, HAG, Hendrick Motorsports, everyone a part of the 5 team, everyone on the 17 indycar for speeding, my family, my friends, my fans, and the documentary crew that has followed along the journey the past 8 months.”
“So much time, money, and effort went into this experience and it just kills me to have it all end the way it did. I feel like I let so many people down. We knew all along weather could throw a wrench into things but seeing it come to reality is a horrible feeling.”
“Up until Sunday it was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. I can’t describe how appreciative I am of everyone’s support of me to live out a dream. I hope it’s not the last opportunity I have to try the Double but if it is I guess it was memorable.”
Larson added, “Thank you to everyone at Arrow McLaren, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and all the competitors there for making me feel welcomed. Ready to get back on track now and get refocused on winning a 2nd championship for our team.”
Larson will now need a waiver from NASCAR to be playoff eligible.
Links
Kyle Larson | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Hendrick Motorsports | McLaren Racing | NASCAR | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | Indycar
