The month of May is going to be extremely busy for Kyle Larson. While the NASCAR races are coming in thick and fast, he is focused on his second attempt at the Indy 500. This will be his second attempt at the historic “Double.” While most drivers would be overwhelmed by the packed schedule awaiting them, Larson approaches his hectic May with the calm of someone who thrives in chaos. Only five drivers have attempted to run the 1100-mile combined at the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600, but the HMS driver is looking to join Tony Stewart.
Smoke is the only driver to complete the two races on a single day in 2001. Now, for Larson, this year’s race is special as he is looking to script a redemption story after last year’s disappointment. As if the weight of the double duty wasn’t enough for him, he is slated to add another race before the Indy 500 qualifying next weekend.
One Last Sprint Before The Double
“I haven’t really thought about it much at all. Just kind of been excited about these upcoming races and tracks we can run well at,” Kyle Larson said before qualifying on the pole for Sunday’s race at Kansas. But, before he hops back in the Arrow McLaren car, he is going to be racing in a sprint car race on Monday.
The defending Kansas winner has been clear about his priorities: “I think once the checkered flag flies here at Kansas, I’ll be excited about Indy, because I’ll be headed to Indy. And I know I have the sprint car race on Monday, but I think still just being in Indianapolis, you think about the Indy car, so I’ll be ready for it then.”
Would be better if I attached the video of Kyle Larson talking about starting to get excited about the Indy 500: pic.twitter.com/FfEFLGtVFI
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 11, 2025
This Monday night, a detour to Kokomo for a High Limit Racing event — a series Larson co-owns — serves as both preparation and homage. Tony Stewart himself made short-track racing history in 1995 when he became the first driver to capture USAC’s “Triple Crown,” winning National Midget, Sprint Car, and Silver Crown championships in the same year. For Larson, competing on Indiana dirt before the Indy 500 is like tracing Stewart’s early footsteps. “Nobody races as much as me,” Kyle Larson confidently states, addressing concerns about his packed schedule. “So I think there’s something to be said to that, being in great shape.”
Larson now chases his own piece of racing history. Last year’s attempt at completing all 1,100 miles between Indianapolis and Charlotte was thwarted when rain delayed the Indy 500 and prevented him from making a single lap in the Coca-Cola 600. Despite a strong showing at Indianapolis until a late penalty for speeding on pit road, Kyle Larson’s quest for “The Double” remains unfulfilled.
His May schedule is nothing short of astounding — from High Limit Racing events to Indy 500 practice and qualifying, with a quick departure to North Wilkesboro for the NASCAR All-Star Race squeezed in between. The scheduling conflicts have already forced Larson to make tough choices. When asked about potentially missing the “Fast Six” qualifying at Indianapolis to attend the All-Star Race, Larson was practical: “I think that I would miss the Fast Six and go to the All-Star Race. It’s important to race it. It’s a lot of money on the line.”
The message this time is clear: Kyle Larson and his team will prioritize NASCAR events over everything. Hendrick Motorsports has made it clear, if the weather does come into effect, Larson will leave the Indy 500 and fly back to Charlotte to compete in the Coca-Cola 600.
Larson on Mastering the Next Gen Era
While Larson prepares for his Indianapolis challenge, his current NASCAR success can’t be overlooked. Starting from the pole at Kansas Speedway, Kyle Larson’s dominance on 1.5-mile tracks in the Next Gen era has been remarkable. When asked about his consistent performances on intermediate tracks, Larson explained, “I think everything factors in…car, team driver. I’ve always excelled at mile-and-a-halfs.”
The 2021 NASCAR Cup champion sees a connection between these tracks and his sprint car background, noting, “You know, it kind of really feels similar to wings for car racing for me.” This insight reveals how his diverse racing experience contributes to his NASCAR success. In the Next Gen era, Larson has bagged five races win on the 1.5-mile tracks, which includes last year’s closest finish of 0.001 seconds at Kansas Speedway. “I’ve led enough laps, and I’ve gotten better at defending. You know, not all laps I have led, I’ve not been the best at every single lap, but I’ve done a good job of blocking or just making things difficult on guys behind me,” He added.
This year Larson has the chance to make the month of May memorable. A win at Kansas, followed by a successful “Double”, would be ideal for the HMS star. Add a sprint car race win to this, and it further solidifies his status of being the most versatile driver, just second to Tony Stewart.
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