Kyle Larson has confirmed he will make another attempt to complete the NASCAR-Indy double in 2025.
The 2021 Cup Series champion has announced his plans to once again attempt the legendary “Double” in 2025, competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
Larson, who made his debut at the Indy 500 in 2024, will team up with Hendrick Motorsports and Arrow McLaren for his second attempt at the challenging feat.
In a press conference held at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson, accompanied by NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, and NASCAR icon Jeff Gordon, revealed his ambitious plans for the 2025 racing season.
The 32-year-old driver is set to showcase his skills on one of the biggest stages in motorsports.
“I really enjoyed the month of May in Indy and racing with Arrow McLaren, but I was really disappointed with missing the Coca-Cola 600 with the No. 5 HendrickCars.com team,” Larson said.
“I appreciate the second opportunity because we have unfinished business. I really want to complete all 1100 miles, and I think we have the opportunity to battle for the win in both events.”
Larson’s impressive debut at the Indy 500 in 2024 earned him the Rookie of the Year Award, as he flashed blazing speed throughout the Month of May. He set an Indianapolis 500 Qualifying single lap rookie record by posting an average speed of 233.543 mph on Lap 1 during Top where he advanced to the Firestone Fast 6.
The Elk Grove, California native went on to qualify fifth for the race and later crossed the finish line on a rain-delayed race day 18th. However,his attempt at the NASCAR-Indy double this year was thwarted by inclement weather.
The start of the Indianapolis 500 was delayed four hours because of rain, and shortly after Larson arrived at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600, it began to rain, forcing NASCAR to call the race official because it was past halfway meaning he missed the race. Christopher Bell was declared the winner.
Despite the setback, Kyle Larson remains determined to complete the challenging feat in 2025. He will once again attempt to complete 1,100 miles and challenge for two marquee race wins on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.
After the 109th Running of the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he will immediately fly to Charlotte to race his No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet stock car in NASCAR’s crown jewel Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Rick Hendrick, Chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group and owner of Hendrick Motorsports, emphasized the importance of NASCAR remaining Larson’s primary focus, particularly if rain interrupts the Indy 500. In that scenario, Tony Kanaan, celebrated for his victory at the 2013 Indy 500, will act as Larson’s substitute.
“Kyle had a great month of May and showed what a gifted race car driver he is,” Hendrick said. “From a sponsorship perspective, we saw an incredible lift for HendrickCars.com and measured a three-to-one return on our investment.
“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.”
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, also expressed his enthusiasm for Larson’s return to the Indy 500 in 2025.
“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 said.
“He is 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.”
Larson will become the fifth driver to attempt racing the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, and a fifth-place starting spot for the Indy 500 is a great place to start with a legitimate chance to win.
He will join an elite group of drivers who have attempted the NASCAR-Indy double, including Tony Stewart and Robby Gordon. However, none of them have earned a win in either race, and only one has completed all the laps (Stewart in 2001).
As Larson prepares for his second attempt at the NASCAR-Indy double, he remains confident in his abilities and the support of his team.
“I wouldn’t pursue this if I didn’t believe I could win both races,” Larson said. “I recognize that this is an incredibly challenging feat, but I’m confident it’s achievable, especially a team Arrow McLaren Hendrickports.
“I have a passion for racing and enjoy competing in significant events. Even if everything had gone perfectly from a logistical standpoint, I would still want to attempt it because I have yet to win the Indy 500.
“I hope to have the chance to achieve that someday.”
