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Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is gearing up for another attempt at “The Double” in 2025, as he revealed on Tuesday alongside Arrow McLaren. This entails racing in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. While the feat has been accomplished before, it has not been achieved since Kurt Busch did it in 2014. No driver has won either race while competing in both, but Larson aims to be the first.
Larson famously tried to tackle The Double in 2024, but it did not go as planned. While he finished 18th in the Indy 500, he was unable to start the Coca-Cola 600 later that evening. Rookie errors contributed to his early exit from the open-wheel race, and rain delays prevented him from reaching Charlotte in time for the NASCAR event. Reflecting on his misfortunes, Larson remains hopeful for a better outcome next year:
“I really enjoyed the month of May in Indy and racing with Arrow McLaren, but I was really disappointed with missing the Coke 600 with the No. 5 HendrickCars.com team,” said Larson. “I appreciate the second opportunity because we have unfinished business. I really want to complete all 1,100 miles, and I think we have the opportunity to battle for the win in both events.”
Tony Stewart holds the record for the most successful attempt at The Double, having completed it in 2001. Like Robby Gordon before him and Kurt Busch after, Stewart achieved the highest finish by a qualified driver in the Indy 500, securing 6th place. He then leaped onto a plane to participate in the Coke 600, where he finished in third place.
Larson has as good a chance as anyone to match or surpass that record in 2025. During his only Indy 500 attempt so far, he qualified 5th, placing him in the middle of the second row. He also won the prestigious Coke 600 back in 2021. While Larson has the skills needed to succeed, he learned this year that talent alone isn’t sufficient.
One condition that Larson must adhere to is giving priority to NASCAR and the Coke 600. This means that if inclement weather delays the Indy 500, he will need to abandon his attempt to compete in the race and head to Charlotte. This rule could help avoid the complications Larson faced earlier this year when he was unable to secure a waiver to skip the Cup Series race.
Fans are hopeful to see one of the top drivers in action in both events.
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