There’s nothing quite like NASCAR’s All-Star Race. No points, winner-takes-all shootout with a $1,000,000 prize on the line! Egos and elbows fly at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 18. The event is a high-octane spectacle that brings together the sport’s biggest names for a chance at instant glory and a hefty payday. Just a week later, on May 25, the legendary Indianapolis 500 takes center stage.
This is the crown jewel of American open-wheel racing and a test of speed, skill, and endurance at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While these two iconic events are spaced a week apart, the challenge of competing in both is immense, demanding intense focus and preparation.
Kyle Larson, who is attempting the grueling “Double Duty” again this year, is juggling these marquee races with a unique mindset. It clearly shows that he’s far less interested in NASCAR’s million-dollar All-Star prize. Rather, he’s more focused on mastering the nuances of the Indy 500.
Kyle Larson’s All-Star monetary focus shifts to Indy 500 glory
Kyle Larson has long been a headline act at NASCAR’s All-Star Race, with three wins (2019, 2021, 2023) and a reputation for thriving in high-stakes, winner-take-all settings. Last year, however, Larson’s pursuit of motorsports’ ultimate challenge, the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 “Double,” was derailed by rain. This, unfortunately, left his Indy debut incomplete and his attempt at history unfinished. In 2025, with the All-Star Race set for May 18 and the Indianapolis 500 on May 25, Larson is back for another shot at the rare feat.
But his priorities are clear: Indy comes first.
This season, Larson’s preparation for the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway has taken a back seat. He openly acknowledged that he’s doing minimal prep for the $1,000,000 NASCAR showcase. Instead, he is channeling his energy into getting his Arrow McLaren IndyCar dialed in for the 109th Indianapolis 500.
Kyle Larson admitted, “Cliff and I talked, maybe if there was time on Saturday during qualifying, we could get together and just talk about how the practice went and stuff like that and get prepared for the race on Sunday.” His comments reveal just how secondary the All-Star Race has become in his mind. He’s relying on the strength and organization of his No. 5 team, saying it’s a relief that he can completely shut himself off from them for a handful of days to immerse himself in the unfamiliar world of IndyCar.
Kyle Larson said he doesn’t do much preparation this week for the all-star race as far as conversations with his team, that he’s focused on getting his Indy 500 car dialed in. He said on Saturday if he has time after his initial qualifying run, he might talk with Cliff Daniels. pic.twitter.com/GAtPo8vys2
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 13, 2025
Only a select few drivers have attempted the grueling Indy 500–Coca-Cola 600 Double Duty on the same Memorial Day weekend, underscoring the immense challenge Kyle Larson is taking on. John Andretti was the first in 1994, finishing 10th at Indy and 36th at Charlotte. Robby Gordon made five attempts. His best results were 6th at Indy (2000) and 16th at Charlotte (2002). Moreover, he completed all 1,100 miles only once.
Tony Stewart’s efforts in 2001 remain the gold standard. He finished 6th at Indy and 3rd at Charlotte, where he became the only driver to complete every lap of both races in one day. Kurt Busch joined the club in 2014. The Rowdy finished an impressive 6th at Indy but retired early at Charlotte due to engine trouble. No driver has ever won either race on the same day. This highlights just how formidable and historic a successful “Double” would be for Larson.
It’s not just Kyle Larson; has the All-Star Race lost its luster?
While Kyle Larson’s lack of enthusiasm for the NASCAR All-Star Race has drawn attention, he’s far from alone. Across the Cup Series garage, there’s a noticeable shift in how drivers and teams are approaching the once-coveted $1 million exhibition at North Wilkesboro Speedway. In 2025, the All-Star Race is no longer the must-win spectacle it once was. There are several factors fueling this change in attitude.
One of the biggest issues is cost. The “run what you bring” philosophy. This format, which once encouraged teams to build wild, one-off cars for the All-Star event, has become financially unsustainable. As Denny Hamlin recently pointed out, the economics just don’t add up anymore. “No team will sign up to lose millions,” Hamlin explained, taking a sarcastic dig.
For many teams, especially those not flush with manufacturer support, the risk and expense of building a car solely for an exhibition race just isn’t worth it. Another reason for the waning interest is the lack of championship points. With no playoff implications or regular-season bonus points on the line, the All-Star Race is increasingly seen as a high-risk, low-reward proposition. And that’s justified!
Even with expanded formats, new gimmicks like the Manufacturer Showdown, and a longer 250-lap main event, the All-Star Race feels more like an entertaining exhibition than a pivotal moment in the season. As costs rise and the stakes remain stagnant, the question for NASCAR is clear. Can the All-Star Race reclaim its former prestige? Or will it continue to slide down the priority list for teams and drivers alike? What do you think? Do let us know in the comments below.
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