Kyle Larson is on the verge of making motorsports history, as he gears up for his second attempt to run both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in one day, with Tony Stewart standing out as his enduring source of inspiration. With the race date approaching, Larson is aiming to chase what only five drivers have dared—completing the infamous “double”—and he openly credits Tony Stewart for setting an almost mythical benchmark that still drives competitors today.
Larson’s ambition to match Stewart’s legendary feat is no secret, and his determination to follow in Stewart’s footsteps just might elevate his own already impressive racing career. In 2001, Tony Stewart became the only driver to successfully complete all 1,100 miles of racing in one day, notching a sixth-place finish at Indianapolis and a third at Charlotte. Stewart’s groundbreaking achievement has become a symbol of perseverance and versatility in motorsports—a symbol Larson is determined to embody.
After facing setbacks last year caused by adverse weather that hampered the Indianapolis 500 and brought a premature end to the Coca-Cola 600, Larson has redoubled his efforts for the coming challenge. He has made it clear who helped fuel his passion for taking on diverse racing disciplines. Speaking with Shannon Spake on NASCAR Race Hub, Larson said,
“I think the drive for me to want to do that was, I really looked up to Tony Stewart and he was doing all of that and at a high level… Having him as kind of a guy I looked up to, and even Jeff Gordon, when he was coming up through the ranks, he was really versatile as well.”
Larson’s reverence for Tony Stewart didn’t grow overnight. The two drivers share a mutual respect, with Stewart himself expressing admiration for Larson’s versatility and skill. In 2021, Stewart told Autoweek that he believed Larson was ahead of where he had been at the same age, revealing that he once pursued Larson for a coveted spot on his NASCAR Cup team. Stewart later described missing out on that opportunity as his “biggest professional regret.”
While many racing veterans closely guard their records, Tony Stewart approaches Larson’s pursuit with genuine encouragement. On a recent episode of the Rubbin’ is Racing podcast, Stewart was asked if he was worried about being surpassed. His response was emphatic: “Not at all.” Stewart called Larson the one driver who realistically has the potential to break his record, expressing both optimism and pride in the younger racer’s ambition.
Preparation for the 2025 Indianapolis 500 has seen Larson fully commit to the pursuit. On Tuesday, following a delay caused by light rain, all 34 drivers for the May 25 race took to the renowned 2.5-mile oval to perfect their setups ahead of the critical qualifying weekend. Larson, behind the wheel of the #17 Arrow McLaren Chevy, completed 45 laps, achieving a best speed of 221.207 mph, ranking 24th overall for the day. The session provided him with an opportunity to re-familiarize himself with the high-speed environment and evaluate his ability to run in traffic—an essential skill for the competitively packed Indy 500 grid.
Last season, Larson impressed on his IndyCar debut by qualifying fifth in the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, though rain ultimately foiled his attempt to complete both races. This year, with Tony Stewart’s legacy clear in his mind, Larson is setting his sights higher than ever. The racing world is watching as he seeks not just to emulate his idol, but also to potentially set a new standard for future generations.
“I wanted to be in that category of guy with Tony and Mario, AJ, Parnelli, guys like that. So yeah, that was always a goal of mine, and it’s just been really cool for me to be able to get those opportunities along the way to run lots of different types of cars and then be able to adapt well and excel at it,”
Larson shared.
The significance of Tony Stewart’s inspiration for Larson cannot be overstated. Their evolving mentor-protégé dynamic carries powerful implications for NASCAR and open-wheel racing alike. As Larson prepares for another shot at the double, he does so with a blend of urgency, respect, and the determination to push beyond even Stewart’s incredible achievements. Whether Larson can join, or even surpass, the elite club Stewart once was alone in will soon be revealed, but one thing is certain: Tony Stewart’s influence on Kyle Larson continues to fuel some of racing’s most ambitious dreams.
