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Kyle Larson’s Indy 500 dream turns into NASCAR chaos: why his ‘Double’ debut became a nightmare

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
January 22, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Kyle Larson’s Indy 500 dream turns into NASCAR chaos: why his ‘Double’ debut became a nightmare

Tony Kanaan talks to Arrow McLaren/Rick Hendrick driver Kyle Larson (17) in his pit box Friday, May 24, 2024, during Carb Day ahead of the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Kyle Larson, one of NASCAR’s brightest stars, took a massive swing at motorsport history in 2024, attempting the iconic Double: racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. But what began as a bid for greatness quickly spiraled into a chaotic whirlwind of disappointment, penalties, and controversy, leaving Larson’s reputation and playoff hopes hanging by a thread.

The Double is no ordinary feat. Tony Stewart famously completed it in 2001 with a sixth-place finish at Indy and a third-place run at Charlotte. Kyle Larson, representing Hendrick Motorsports, hoped to replicate that glory. Instead, his 2024 campaign was marred by a series of unfortunate events that left fans and critics questioning if he bit off more than he could chew.

A tale of two disasters

Larson’s day started at the Indianapolis 500, piloting the No. 17 Hendricks.com Arrow McLaren Chevy. Despite showing competitive pace and climbing to sixth, disaster struck when Larson was slapped with a speeding penalty on pit road. That mistake relegated him to a frustrating 18th-place finish, far from the glory he envisioned. Speaking on the MRN NASCAR Live podcast, Larson reflected, “I wish the race day would’ve gone differently; that mistake made it less memorable for me, but we’ll get another shot this year.”

The chaos didn’t end there. With inclement weather sweeping through Indy, Larson was forced to skip the start of the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR’s crown jewel Memorial Day event. When he finally arrived in Charlotte, rain halted the race before he could turn a lap, adding insult to injury. It was a double disappointment on a day meant to showcase Larson’s versatility and endurance.


NASCAR waiver drama: will Larson’s playoff hopes survive?

The fallout from Larson’s decision to prioritize Indy didn’t sit well with NASCAR. The rulebook mandates that drivers must participate in all 36 races to remain playoff eligible, barring exceptions for medical or family emergencies. Larson’s absence at the Coca-Cola 600—voluntary and driven by ambition—sparked controversy. Hendrick Motorsports filed a waiver request, but NASCAR’s hesitation to approve it raised eyebrows across the paddock.

For a full week, the sport’s decision-makers deliberated, ultimately granting Larson a waiver. However, the situation left a sour taste in the mouths of some fans and insiders who questioned whether NASCAR should bend its rules for a driver who chose to race elsewhere.


Can Larson redeem himself in 2025?

Kyle Larson’s Double attempt wasn’t the historic success he had hoped for—it was a cautionary tale of overambition. Yet, the 31-year-old remains undeterred. Determined to learn from his mistakes, Larson is already gearing up for another crack at the dual challenge in 2025, vowing to deliver the results that eluded him this year.

“Hopefully, the weather cooperates, and we can get both races in this year,” Larson remarked, optimistic about his second shot at history. But with lingering questions about his playoff eligibility, Hendrick Motorsports’ patience, and NASCAR’s commitment to its rules, Larson’s next attempt may come under even greater scrutiny.


A legacy still in the making

Kyle Larson’s 2024 Double journey was defined by high stakes, higher ambitions, and frustrating missteps. Whether he can redeem himself in 2025 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his drive to achieve greatness is unwavering. NASCAR and open-wheel fans alike will be watching closely as Larson fights to rewrite his narrative and prove that chaos can be the stepping stone to triumph.

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