Kyle Larson, a prominent part-time Arrow McLaren IndyCar driver and full-time wheelman for Hendrick Motorsports in NASCAR, has revealed his detailed plan for attempting the storied “Double Duty” in 2025. Balancing two of the world’s most demanding events—the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600—on the same day, Larson has already announced that if weather disrupts the Indy 500 again, he will not repeat the mistakes of the past, choosing NASCAR as his top priority and ruling out any attempt to stay for a delayed Indianapolis race.
This declaration follows the high-pressure scenario that unfolded on May 26, 2024, when Kyle Larson aimed to compete in both legendary races. Weather forced a start delay in the Indianapolis 500, leading Larson to miss the NASCAR event at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a result that left both fans and teams in suspense. While only seven part-time drivers took on the Indianapolis 500, what made Larson unique was his drive to conquer such a physically and mentally demanding doubleheader in a single day.
Now, for 2025, Kyle Larson’s priorities have shifted decisively. “We would revisit it in 15 years but not next year,” Larson remarked when asked if he planned to attempt the same double feat. His comments make clear that while the allure of the Indy 500 is strong—he’s expressed that a victory there would be a career-defining achievement—the reality of team commitments and the hard logistics of Double Duty have led him to favor his NASCAR obligations unequivocally. This decision directly affects all organizations involved.
Arrow McLaren, the team counting on Kyle Larson for their Indianapolis 500 campaign, faces new complexities. With Tony Kanaan newly appointed as Team Principal and confirming he cannot substitute as a driver, the team is forced to consider retirement from the race if Larson must leave early due to weather or scheduling. “If Larson takes the green flag at Indy and has to depart, we’d have no choice but to retire the car,” Kanaan explained during a conversation with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Dirty Mo Media podcast. The tension this creates between team objectives and Larson’s personal priorities is palpable.
At present, Kyle Larson sits second in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, a clear demonstration of his competitiveness and drive. As he prepares for another swing at the double in 2025, Larson has set the record straight: NASCAR will take precedence if weather throws the schedule into chaos during the Indianapolis 500. Fans and competitors alike are watching closely, recognizing that the choices Larson makes could reshape strategy for drivers attempting similar feats in the future. The outcome of this plan will not only influence his own career trajectory but may set a lasting precedent for managing the tension between IndyCar dreams and NASCAR realities.
