Kyle Larson gears up for gruelling Indy-Charlotte Double
The respect those in the IndyCar industry have for Larson is indicative of his renown as a versatile driver. Whether it be a Cup Series car on Sunday, a Chevrolet Silverado in a NASCAR Truck Series race or a sprint car, Larson's versatility has put his name into the conversation as one of the world's best all-around race drivers.
This year, the preparations are as time-consuming as they were in 2024. A full week of practice at Indianapolis was followed by Indy 500 qualifying on the same weekend as the NASCAR All-Star Race. While Larson qualified at Indianapolis, defending NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier turned laps in Larson's No 5 at North Wilkesboro.
After appearing in the NASCAR All-Star Race on Sunday, Larson's focus turns back to Indy, where he has two more practice sessions to dial in his No 17 Chevrolet for the Indianapolis 500.
Larson admitted reacclimatising to an IndyCar is a difficult task after a year away from the cockpit. But his practice results - 24th on May 13, 13th on May 14 and 17th on May 15 - indicate a driver who is getting back into the IndyCar saddle with confidence and poise.
2024 saw Larson finish the Indianapolis 500 in 18th after a pit road speeding penalty. With a year of Indy 500 experience under his belt, however, don't be surprised if Larson finishes inside the top 15. His No 17 clearly has some speed, and as Kanaan said, Larson's adaptability makes him a threat to win no matter the vehicle he's in.
However, even the world's best drivers aren't immune to mistakes. Larson crashed in the open test in April and in practice on May 15. Another crash in the Indy 500 itself would dash the hope of Larson completing all 1,770km.
Even if the Indianapolis 500 doesn't go Larson's way, the Coca-Cola 600 should bear more fruit for the 32-year-old driver. Larson won the event in 2021, and along with being arguably the best driver in the Cup Series, he's won thrice in 2025, including the last Cup Series points race at Kansas. If Larson can make it to the end of the Coke 600, he'll likely be in the mix for the win.
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