Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, saw his Indy 500 dreams come crashing down in a restart disaster. The day started with uncertainty due to rain delays, threatening Larson’s attempt to conquer the Indy 500/Coke 600 double. Despite starting 19th on the grid, Larson navigated through early chaos but met his downfall before reaching the halfway mark.
During a restart, Larson’s car suffered a destabilizing shift entering Turn 2, causing him to lose control and spin across the track. In the ensuing chaos, he collected two other cars, abruptly ending their races as well. The aftermath left Kyffin Simpson spinning against the outside wall and Sting Ray Robb’s car splashing rainwater as it collided with tire barriers on the inside of the track.
Released from the infield care center, Larson expressed regret, admitting, “Just hate that I got a little too eager there on the restart and caused that crash. So, hate it for everybody that also got caught up in it.” Disheartened but determined, Larson now shifts his focus to the Charlotte Motor Speedway for NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600, starting on the front row’s outside.
With his Indy 500 aspirations shattered, Larson aims to make up for the disappointment in the grueling Coca-Cola 600. By taking the green flag for the 600-mile race, Larson will join an elite group of drivers attempting the prestigious Double, but his hopes of matching Tony Stewart’s legendary feat will remain unattainable.