Hendrick Motorsports ace Kyle Larson has cleared the air on his second “Double” attempt and where his focus will be this year. Recently, the 32-year-old joined NASCAR veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr. on his “Dale Jr. Download” podcast, where he set his priorities straight.
Kyle Larson To Prioritize NASCAR Over Indy 500
Last May, Larson became the fifth driver in history to attempt the “Double” feat. For those unfamiliar, running the “Double” refers to a driver attempting to complete 1,100 miles by competing in IndyCar’s marquee event, the Indianapolis 500, and NASCAR’s crown jewel — the Coca-Cola 600 — on the same day.
Prior to Larson’s first attempt, Kurt Busch, Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon, Donnie Allison, and John Andretti had all tried their luck. Stewart was the most successful of the group, running the Double in 1999 and 2001. He became the first (and still only) driver to finish on the lead lap in both races on the same day.
The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion started 24th and 27th in the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 in 1999, finishing ninth and fourth, respectively. He tried again in 2001, finishing sixth at Indianapolis and third at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Larson, on the other hand, didn’t find the same success. His Double Duty run was spoiled by weather. Rain delayed the start of the Indy 500, and by the time Larson arrived in Charlotte, the Coca-Cola 600 had already been called off due to poor conditions.
Larson didn’t turn a single lap in the NASCAR race and received zero points. He then had to wait for NASCAR to grant him a waiver to stay eligible for the playoffs despite missing the race. This time around, the 2021 Cup Series champion made it clear that NASCAR is his priority.
During the conversation with Earnhardt and his IndyCar mentor Tony Kanaan, Larson said, “This year is simple because the decision is already made, you know, like, Cup racing and NASCAR is the priority.”
Reflecting on last year’s Charlotte disappointment, Larson quipped, “I hope it doesn’t run into any of that, but it’s obviously something that you look at… I’ll be staring at the forecast every single day like I was last year.”
Currently, Larson is sixth in points with 244, coming off four top-five finishes and a win at Homestead-Miami Speedway. With the schedule now heading to Bristol Motor Speedway, Larson will be eyeing redemption — possibly a repeat of his Bass Pro Night race win at the venue last year.
