Rick Hendrick is throwing his full support behind Kyle Larson as the celebrated driver prepares to take on one of motorsport’s most daunting feats: attempting to race in both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. On May 25, 2025, Larson, whom Rick Hendrick has praised for his exceptional abilities, will try to etch his name into racing history by completing the grueling 1,100-mile “Double Duty.” This rare challenge demands not only physical stamina but also mental toughness, and has been conquered by very few, with Tony Stewart the last to successfully finish both races in a single day back in 2001. Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Alex Bowman, has been up front about the magnitude of this effort, sharing his admiration for Larson’s skill while calling him
To grasp why Rick Hendrick’s support is so significant, it helps to look back at recent Double Duty attempts. The path is littered with weather disruptions and near-misses as much as with glory. In 2024, Kyle Larson put in an inspired effort but was foiled by relentless rain. The Indianapolis 500 began late after storms swept through, causing Larson to miss the start of NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, where the rain refused to relent. Although a playoff waiver preserved his NASCAR season, the experience was bittersweet. Rick Hendrick, as the owner of Hendrick Motorsports, ensured that the team would stand behind Larson’s priorities, and for 2025, both are planning with greater anticipation and more stringent conditions: this time, there will be no playoff waiver, raising the stakes immensely. Larson has pledged to prioritize his main ride, the iconic No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, if a conflict arises.
Despite the complex logistics and the pressure that comes with attempting such an epic feat, morale within Rick Hendrick’s organization is high. Teammate Alex Bowman’s glowing endorsement of Kyle Larson stems from a deep respect. Bowman told Frontstretch,
Bowman’s words aren’t empty flattery. The stats tell their own story: since joining the Cup Series, Larson has notched 31 wins, 190 top-10 finishes, and 22 pole positions, cementing his status as a modern great. His adaptability was plain for all to see during his Indy 500 debut last year. In treacherous and unpredictable conditions, he claimed the Indy 500 Rookie of the Year, qualifying fifth and finishing 18th despite contending with a pit road penalty. Such instant success at one of the world’s most famous races is rare — few NASCAR stars have made as convincing a transition to open-wheel racing.
Comparisons quickly emerge. Bowman addressed the notion that cross-disciplinary success is elusive, referencing champions who have struggled to master two worlds.
Bowman recounted. Johnson, a seven-time Cup Series champion, attempted to find new glory in IndyCar after retiring from NASCAR, only to realize how vast the challenge really was.
Johnson later admitted. And it’s not just NASCAR drivers facing difficulty. Juan Pablo Montoya — a two-time Indy 500 winner and a veteran of Formula One — found limited success in NASCAR, collecting only two Cup wins over a decade despite his extraordinary pedigree. As Bowman concluded,
History proves that the move between top racing disciplines is no easy feat, no matter someone’s previous accolades.
Kyle Larson’s unique advantage lies in his age, hunger, and the comprehensive backing from Rick Hendrick. At just 32, and willing to embrace risk for greatness, Larson is in his athletic prime, supported by one of American motorsport’s most successful teams. With Rick Hendrick in his corner, Larson’s confidence and preparation are at an all-time high. Bowman said it succinctly:
The expectation isn’t just that Larson will show up; it’s that he’ll rise to the occasion, fully backed by Rick Hendrick and the Hendrick Motorsports family.
Leading up to his second Double Duty attempt, Larson’s current NASCAR form is making headlines and fueling anticipation. Only days before his Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 challenge, Larson delivered a spectacular performance at Kansas Speedway. In qualifying for the weekend’s Cup Series race, he seized the pole with a lightning-fast lap, clocking in at 29.391 seconds and averaging 183.730 mph — his first pole of the 2025 season and the 22nd of his Cup Series career. This achievement underscored both his consistency and his knack for excelling under pressure. The Kansas pole position did not come easy; Larson was the last driver on track, and victory came by the slimmest of margins, just 0.057 seconds ahead of fellow competitor Chris Buescher. For many at the track, the moment was reminiscent of Larson’s history-making razor-thin win over Buescher the previous year.
After qualifying, Larson reflected on the unique symmetry, remarking,
For Rick Hendrick and his team, Larson’s qualifying success wasn’t just another milestone — it was proof that he’s in peak condition, both mentally and physically, heading into one of the greatest challenges of his career.
The Kansas qualifying lineup — with Chris Buescher set to start beside him and Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick, and Joey Logano filling out the top five — sets the stage for yet another electrifying showdown. Most teams maneuvered past tire issues that had troubled practice sessions, though a few top drivers, including Kyle Busch and Josh Berry, suffered brushes with the track wall that shifted their starting positions. For Rick Hendrick’s team, the focus remains clear: all eyes are on Larson as he chases another Kansas victory, aiming to cement his reputation among NASCAR’s best before embarking on his Double Duty quest.
Larson’s prowess at Kansas is undeniable. Within the era of the Next-Gen car, he’s led more laps at Kansas Speedway than anyone else, commanding the field for 276 laps and defending his spring win from the prior year. Consistency has been another hallmark of his tenure with Rick Hendrick, highlighted by six top-10 finishes in his last seven Kansas races, including championship-caliber performances in both 2021 and 2024. Such achievements not only bode well for Larson’s NASCAR ambitions but also serve as vital confidence boosters as he prepares to switch disciplines and compete against the world’s best open-wheel drivers.
Looking forward, the sense of urgency and anticipation is building within the Hendrick Motorsports camp. The looming challenge of Double Duty — a test of resilience, adaptability, and skill — rarely comes around, and even more rarely is it met with such an outpouring of organizational support. Rick Hendrick’s role extends beyond sponsorship or logistics; it’s about leadership, belief in his driver, and a willingness to push boundaries within American racing’s most historic arenas. Rick Hendrick understands that Larson is uniquely qualified for this type of test, given not only his results but his unflappable approach to adversity. The 2025 Double Duty attempt will push Larson physically and mentally to his limits, but, in return, the potential rewards — both personal and for his team owner — promise to be substantial.
The motorsports community is abuzz as the Memorial Day weekend approaches. Fans are divided, with some confident that Rick Hendrick’s chosen driver will prevail, and others cautioning about the unpredictability of weather, car reliability, and sheer exhaustion. Yet for those who know Kyle Larson’s work ethic and Rick Hendrick’s commitment, the excitement is matched by cautious optimism. The journey from the green flag in Indianapolis to the checkered flag in Charlotte will run through hours of relentless speed, racecraft, and decision-making. Every detail matters: pit road execution, travel logistics, and the ability to remain laser-focused despite the swirl of media and expectation. For Rick Hendrick and his organization, this campaign is about more than just trophies — it’s about legacy, innovation, and rewriting what’s possible in North American racing.
Colleagues and competitors are keenly aware of the wider significance. Larson’s efforts have already begun to reshape perceptions about the adaptability of NASCAR drivers and the value of cross-disciplinary competition. Bowman spoke to the broader impact, considering whether Larson’s performance could shift opinions among open-wheel audiences or introduce new fans to the spectacle of stock car racing. Should Larson succeed — or even impress with his tenacity and performance across both events — the reverberations could be felt throughout the motorsport world.
Bowman stated, emphasizing mutual respect between disciplines but recognizing the unique spark Larson’s effort brings to the current era.
As the countdown to race day reaches its final stages, Rick Hendrick’s presence will be felt at every turn. His guidance, unwavering support, and long view of history mean that whatever unfolds, this chapter will resonate for years to come. If Kyle Larson manages to complete both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in a single day, it will stand as a testament to his ability, determination, and, perhaps most of all, to the trust and empowerment provided by Rick Hendrick. This trust is not lightly given, nor is it common even among top-tier organizations. For Larson and Rick Hendrick, it is the driving force behind an epic attempt that could redefine modern motorsports heroism.
For the fans, for the teams, for Rick Hendrick, and for Kyle Larson himself, the stakes could not be higher. The grueling schedule and split-second demands serve as reminders that in racing, greatness is earned with every corner, every pit stop, and every decision under pressure. As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the world will watch to see whether Larson and Rick Hendrick will carve their place into history, elevating not just a driver or a team but the entire spirit of competitive racing. From the streets of Indianapolis to the roar of Charlotte, the journey awaits — and the legacy of Rick Hendrick, already immense, stands ready to grow even further.
