Martin Truex Jr. praises Kyle Larson’s participation in the Indianapolis 500.
Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Larson (Via IMAGO)
Hendrick Motorsports’ attempt to compete in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 last week did not go as planned due to rain affecting the latter. However, Larson left a notable impression at the Brickyard. Despite finishing 18th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) due to a speeding penalty, he would easily have reached a top-ten position.
Kyle Larson received the Rookie of the Year award for his time with Arrow McLaren, and many drivers from both NASCAR and IndyCar encouraged him to attempt the double in 2025. The 2024 attempt was interrupted by heavy rains, making it anything but common. Before the Gateway Cup race, a veteran from Joe Gibbs Racing explained the importance of Larson’s race.
The double attempt may have been canceled for Kyle Larson in Charlotte, but as NASCAR continues this weekend, Martin Truex Jr. asserts that Larson’s success at the Indy 500 left a lasting impression on Cup drivers. pic.twitter.com/DG4MrkyAM0
The 2017 Cup champion highlighted that Kyle Larson proved to the IndyCar community that NASCAR drivers are fierce competitors and possess immense talent. Truex believes that the remarkable performance of the 2021 Cup series champion will earn the respect of IndyCar drivers towards their peers in elite stock car racing.
The future Hall of Fame member emphasized that he gained a new respect for drivers from other championships when he participated in the International Race of Champions. He believes that competing against each other is the best way to understand each other’s styles, rather than just watching them on television.
The JGR veteran brings up a valid point that the IndyCar grid may now have a new respect for NASCAR drivers. If Larson had achieved a better result in Indy, the impact would have been even greater. However, Larson will likely have the opportunity to prove himself next season.
