Kyle Larson is preparing for one of the most challenging feats in modern motorsports: racing in the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, an ambitious test known as “The Double.” As race day approaches later this month, Tony Stewart — the only driver ever to finish all 1,100 miles in both races in a single day — reveals that success hinges on perfection, stating, “No mistakes are allowed.” With his intense bid capturing the focus of racing fans everywhere, Kyle Larson’s effort represents not just a demanding physical trial, but a high-pressure battle against split-second misjudgments, unpredictable variables, and racing history itself.
Last year, Kyle Larson’s attempt at “The Double” was derailed by adverse weather, as rain delayed the Indianapolis 500 by several hours. Although he finished 18th and earned Rookie of the Year honors at Indy, the delay forced Larson to miss the start of the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. This year, with hopes for clearer skies, Larson aims to become only the second driver to complete all 1,100 miles after Stewart achieved the milestone in 2001.
Stewart, who experienced the crucible of “The Double” in 1999 and 2001, knows firsthand the grueling demands involved in racing both the IndyCar and NASCAR events. Speaking on the Rubbin’ Is Racing podcast, Stewart offered both encouragement and caution for Kyle Larson, stressing the importance of unblemished execution over the course of one epic day.
The feat of all 1,100 miles, Kyle should be able to do that, no problem,
Stewart remarked.
That’s not as hard as it used to be back in the day when Robby Gordon did it and John Andretti did it, Kurt Busch has done it once. The reliability of the Indy cars wasn’t as good (back then), the reliability of the stock cars wasn’t as good also. So the 1,100 miles, he should be able to do.
Stewart believes that if equipment or weather does not interfere, the real challenge for Kyle Larson will be razor-sharp focus and error-free execution, especially at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Stewart was clear about expectations:
What Kyle has to be shooting for is to break finishing sixth or better in the 500 and third or better in the 600, which is doable, it’s very doable. He can accomplish that.
He pointed to past mistakes — including a pit road speeding penalty that cost Larson vital time in last year’s Indy 500 — as evidence that in these races, even a small error can have disastrous consequences.
He’s the type of talent that if he doesn’t make any mistakes at Indy… I mean, you think about last year, he was in a good position to have a solid finish, and it was all penalized for speeding on getting on pit road,
Stewart explained. Larson’s recent practice crash at Indianapolis, where contact with the wall occurred during an open test, only amplifies how little it takes to disrupt a promising run.
Just a small bobble, it doesn’t take much to ruin your day at Indy, so it’s about putting 500 solid miles there.
Despite the pressure, Stewart remains optimistic about Larson’s strengths, particularly when it comes to the NASCAR portion of the challenge.
You get him to Charlotte, that’s like he can do that blindfolded and one hand tied behind his back, he has a shot to win that, no doubt. Indy’s the variable of the equation, it’s going to be the tougher of the two.
This endorsement carries weight coming from someone who knows the unique blend of physical endurance, strategic intensity, and mental strength required to tackle both events.
Since Stewart last ran “The Double” 24 years ago, the racing landscape has evolved dramatically.
The last time I ran The Double was in 2001, and I can promise you the competition is way tighter now in IndyCar than it was then,
Stewart said in reference to the increasing talent depth and technological advances shaping today’s racing.
So that’s why, if he even matches it or comes close to what we did finish-wise, I feel like he’s outperformed what we did.
The technical demands of the Indy 500 — from navigating a dense field of cars in turbulent air to adjusting to sudden changes in car handling — require a level of precision that only comes with experience and absolute concentration. Stewart underscored this, warning,
Indy is about not making mistakes. If you don’t make mistakes and you get yourself to that last stint or two of the race where you’re trying to get yourself in position to race for that win, then you’re in a good spot. But any one mistake – if it’s a pit deal, if [a pit crew member] screws up and leaves a wheel loose and you have to come back in, if you stall the motor on the pit stop trying to leave the pits – those are the things that can take you out of that opportunity.
For Kyle Larson, then, preparation involves not only hours on track and in simulators, but also developing a mental approach that leaves no room for error. Stewart commented further on the nuances of Indy:
He has to be mindful of where he’s at in traffic, how many cars are in front of him, where are they at, you would prefer to get the left side of the front wing in clean air if at all possible versus the right side, but the right side’s better than nothing.
Mastery of these subtleties may make the difference between a historic accomplishment and disappointment.
Stewart’s confidence is rooted in Larson’s raw ability and the strength of the teams supporting him.
He’s in a car and he’s with a team that’s capable of winning the Indy 500, and he’s damn sure with a team in Charlotte that can win the Coke 600 at the same time.
Stewart’s analysis suggests that if Kyle Larson can avoid missteps and adapt quickly to shifting circumstances, he stands on the brink of joining the elite few who have conquered “The Double.”
The significance of Larson’s attempt extends beyond individual achievement. Successfully completing both races would mark a new milestone in contemporary American motorsports, demonstrating not only physical stamina and versatility but also the ability to adapt to radically different styles of racing in a single day. The racing world watches with heightened anticipation, aware that only a handful possess the resolve, preparation, and raw talent to even attempt such an extraordinary challenge. Kyle Larson’s journey will be closely followed, and whatever the outcome, it is certain to leave a lasting mark on the legacy of The Double and the racing world at large.
