Rick Hendrick has a new plan given the mistakes of attempting the double in 2024 as Larson missed the Coca-Cola 600
Kyle Larson attempted to run the Indy 500 in Indiana as well as the Coca-Cola 600 in North Carolina on the same day earlier this season. A rain shower delayed the Indy 500, crunching the schedule for Larson.
Larson finished the Indy 500, jumped in a plane and made it to North Carolina. Just as he landed, it began to rain at Charlotte Motor Speedway and he never turned a lap in the NASCAR event.
Now, they’ve announced that Larson will attempt the double again in 2025.
Kyle Larson comments
“I wanted to do the double I didn’t get to do,” Larson said. “Really, everybody involved wanted to see it happen as well. Glad we get to run through it again.”
“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t feel like I had the opportunity to win both races,” Larson said. “I know that’s a very difficult task but I know it can be done, especially being with a team like Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports.”
“I think with a year of experience, hopefully, we’ll be even more competitive and I’m super confident in the NASCAR side of things that we can go (to Charlotte) and win,” Larson said. “It’s just going to be great to finally have that opportunity again and hopefully, the weather cooperates a little better.”
“I love to race and I love to compete in big events. Had it gone perfect logistically and all that, I think I would still want to do it for sure because I wouldn’t have won the Indy 500,” Larson said. “I would like the chance to someday win it. It’s not a different style of race, so I feel very experienced there and I feel like someday I could win, so, just the stars have to align.”
Indy 500 Results: May 26, 2024 (Indycar Series)
Charlotte Results: May 26, 2024 (NASCAR Cup Series)
Rick Hendrick comments
Rick Hendrick is the owner of the No. 5 car in addition to a co-owner of Larson’s Indycar ride.
“Kyle had a great month of May and showed what a gifted race car driver he is. From a sponsorship perspective, we saw an incredible lift for HendrickCars.com and measured a three-to-one return on our investment,” Hendrick said.
“It was a monumental effort by all involved, but we didn’t have the opportunity to see it through (because of inclement weather). Everyone learned a great deal that we’ll take into next year.”
“Now that we’ve experienced it once, we know what to expect, which can only make us better and more prepared. Zak and the team at Arrow McLaren are tremendous partners, and we’re looking forward to finishing the job together in 2025.”
NASCAR comments on a waiver for Kyle Larson
Zak Brown comments
The Indycar is fielded by Arrow McLaren, led by Zak Brown.
“Kyle showed us all what he was capable of this past May, and given a second chance with better weather conditions, I think we’ll all be excited to see him fight for a win at the Indy 500 and then another one in Charlotte,” Brown stated added. “He’s one of the most talented racing drivers out there, and it’s a privilege to do this again with Mr. Hendrick and Jeff Gordon, who are both world-class. We can’t wait for May.”
Hendrick Motorsports has learned from the mistakes of Larson missing the NASCAR race
In order to race for a championship, NASCAR drivers are required to start every event. After missing Charlotte, the No. 5 team required a waiver from NASCAR to be playoff eligible.
They eventually granted that waiver.
But, Rick Hendrick has learned from those mistakes and it won’t happen again. They have a new plan in place if similar events take place in 2025.
Tony Kanaan will serve as a backup driver on the Indycar side. However, reserve drivers are not allowed in the Indy 500. Whoever starts the race, must finish.
But, if weather pushes back the start of the event, Kanaan will be in the Indycar seat.
Rick Hendrick told NBC Sports, “We will be here for the 600 if that means cutting the race short at Indy because of my commitment to NASCAR.”
What if Larson is leading?
Hendrick confirmed, “We’re going to be here.”
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Links
Kyle Larson | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Hendrick Motorsports | McLaren Racing | NASCAR | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | Indycar
