NASCAR Cup star Kyle Larson will again attempt ‘The Double’ in 2025, with confirmation of his participation in the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 2025.
The 2021 Cup Series champion will compete with Arrow McLaren in the Indy 500 before travelling 930km southwest to North Carolina for the 600-mile NASCAR race with full-time team Hendrick Motorsports.
Larson attempted ‘The Double’ earlier this season, but rain delays before the start of the Indy 500 forced Justin Allgaier to start in Larson’s place at Charlotte.
Immediately after the Indy 500, where he finished 18th after a pit lane speeding violation dropped him from contention, Larson flew by helicopter to Charlotte to finish the race there, only for the same weather system to bring an early end to proceedings before the 32-year-old got behind the wheel.
“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 in a press conference this morning.
“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.
“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 with a team like Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports.”
Larson was joined at the press conference at Charlotte Motor Speedway by McLaren CEO Zak Brown, Hendrick Motorsports CEO Rick Hendrick, vice chairman Jeff Gordon, and his IndyCar mentor, Tony Kanaan, who won the 2013 Indy 500.
“Kyle had a great month of May and showed what a gifted race car driver he is,” said Hendrick.
“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.”
Brown added, “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.
“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.”
Header Image: Penske Entertainment: Joe Skibinski
