Joe Gibbs’ Ace Admitting Interest in Kyle Larson’s Goal Leaves NASCAR Fans Buzzing

Kyle Larson, 2024 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year and NASCAR star, is preparing for another attempt. Hendrick Motorsports and Arrow McLaren have confirmed they’ll field Larson in both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 next May. Once again, the 2021 NASCAR champion aims to make history as he takes on a challenge only a select few have attempted. Larson will join an elite group of drivers if he takes on both races.

The last driver to attempt both events in one day was Kurt Busch in 2014. Larson’s previous attempt this year ended in frustration after a rain-delayed Indy 500 messed up his schedule. While Larson finished 18th in his first outing at the Brickyard, he couldn’t make it to Charlotte in time for the 600, which was canceled by weather.

With more preparation and a refined strategy, Larson’s Indianapolis campaign is better than ever. Larson will have a fourth car from Arrow McLaren, fresh off a good race in the 2024 Indianapolis 500. After a thrilling last-lap duel, Pato O’Ward narrowly missed winning for the team earlier this year. Two weeks of track time at the Speedway could make all the difference for Larson. A strong qualifying performance put him fifth on the grid in his rookie year. Nevertheless, a late speeding penalty ruined his chances of a top-10 finish.

Interestingly enough, it looks like Kyle Larson isn’t the only one eyeing the double next year. Christopher Bell has also expressed interest, but only if the offer presents itself. If Toyota ever returns to IndyCar as an engine supplier, Christopher Bell would be among the first to volunteer for the challenge. Bell confirmed this during a recent interview, stating, “If Toyota was interested in that, I would be raising my hand to do it. They haven’t been (just) a huge part of my career, they have been my career.” Fans are all in.

A total of four drivers have attempted the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 at the same time, but only one finished. Tony Stewart remains the benchmark, famously finishing on the lead lap in both races in 2001. Robby Gordon attempted the feat five times. It was John Andretti who tried it first in 1994, while Kyle Busch did it in 2014. Fans absolutely love the prospect of Christopher Bell adding his name to this list.

Fans rally behind Christopher Bell’s goals for the Indy 500 & Coca-Cola 600 Double

Kyle Larson’s attempt at the Memorial Day double this year was marred by weather chaos. Rain delayed the start of the Indianapolis 500, pushing his schedule off track and forcing him to miss the start of the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. By the time Larson landed in Charlotte, the rain had already halted the NASCAR race which never restarted. Things can always change for the bitter, hence it’s only fair what this fan has to say, “NASCAR absolutely needs to encourage this and set the fallout of Larson’s attempt this year aside.” The fan pointed out the broader appeal of such crossover events, recalling how Kimi Räikkönen and Shane van Gisbergen brought international attention to NASCAR at Watkins Glen and Chicago.

Räikkönen’s 2022 outing with Trackhouse Racing and van Gisbergen’s 2023 debut win showcased the excitement and global interest these crossover attempts generate. Adding, “Getting Indy stars to run Charlotte and getting NASCAR stars to run Indy is a win-win for all involved. Everybody in IndyCar was talking about Larson at Indianapolis and Jimmie the other year. Everybody in NASCAR was talking about Räikkönen and van Gisbergen competing at Watkins Glen and Chicago. Would love to see more of this in the future.”

For Christopher Bell, the opportunity to run the Indy 500 would be monumental, particularly as a Toyota driver. “What NASCAR driver (not just Toyota driver) wouldn’t want to run the Indy 500 if offered?” a fan said. However, for Toyota drivers, as the manufacturer currently has no presence in IndyCar, the opportunity is even tougher. This makes Bell’s interest even more compelling, especially after the controversial treatment he faced in NASCAR’s Cup Series this season.

In Martinsville, NASCAR took nearly 30 minutes to decide whether Bell or William Byron would secure the final Championship 4 spot, leaving both drivers in agonizing limbo before awarding the spot to Byron. A chance at the Indy 500 could provide Bell a much-deserved platform to showcase his prowess.

With Christopher Bell’s interest now, along with his dirt racing rival Kyle Larson, fans are eager to see other dirt stars in NASCAR take on the Indy-Charlotte double. “I really hope Larson opened the floodgates for a lot more drivers to do the double, both Cup and IndyCar guys,” said another fan. 

Kyle Larson‘s attempt carries historic weight, as he’ll become only the third driver to attempt the feat multiple times. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown expressed confidence in Larson’s potential, saying, “Kyle showed us all what he was capable of this past May… He’s one of the most talented racing drivers out there.”

Fans love seeing top drivers and of course, their favorites, test their mettle in both disciplines blending the best of both racing worlds. A fan suggests, “There should be a double attempt every year, IMO. Either NASCAR to Indy or Indy to NASCAR. It’s arguably one of the coolest motorsports feats and benefits both series.” However, questions remain about whether NASCAR will grant Larson a waiver after this year’s rain-impacted events. “But, will he get a waiver?” one fan asked, wondering if Larson deserves a second chance after circumstances beyond his control ruined his effort. Although a waiver is unlikely, fans’ continued support for Larson and the double shows how exciting motorsport can be with crossover challenges.