Kyle Larson’s drive and determination are being tested like never before as he continues his high-stakes preparations for one of the most intense weekends in motorsports. On Thursday at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the NASCAR star, who currently leads the NASCAR Cup Series standings, logged 63 laps during a demanding six-hour IndyCar practice session. This effort is part of his pursuit to master the McLaren Racing Chevrolet ahead of the prestigious Indianapolis 500 on May 25, a race that marks the first half of Larson’s planned “Memorial Day Double.”
After he completes the grueling Indy 500 on Sunday afternoon, Kyle Larson will waste no time, jetting to Charlotte, North Carolina, to compete in the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR’s longest race, with Hendrick Motorsports. Striving to join a rare group who have attempted both marquee events—John Andretti, Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon, and Kurt Busch—Kyle Larson is embracing this test of skill, stamina, and adaptability, aiming not just to compete but to contend for glory in both arenas.
This week’s preparations have been methodical and intense. Over three official practice days, Kyle Larson has turned 215 laps at Indy, gradually building his experience and confidence with each circuit around the legendary 2.5-mile oval. His consistent speed has kept him among the contenders, and on Thursday, his best lap—clocking in at 222.222 mph—placed him 17th amid a competitive field of 34 drivers battling for spots in the 33-car starting grid. While his single-lap speed from Tuesday stands as his fastest yet, at an impressive 223.985 mph, Larson’s focus has clearly been on race pace, adaptation, and honing pit stop execution.
The intensity of the session soared when Kyle Larson narrowly avoided a potential disaster with under two hours remaining in practice. Directly behind Christian Rasmussen, who lost control and brushed the wall before spinning, Larson’s quick reflexes allowed him to maneuver his car safely through the chaos. Reflecting on the heart-pounding moment, he stated,
This near miss underscored not only Larson’s focus but the unpredictable nature of competing in the world’s greatest open-wheel race, especially as he pushes himself to the edge in pursuit of the double.
Despite not topping the practice charts, the NASCAR champion’s approach to his preparation has earned praise across the paddock for its commitment and tactical depth. After brisk, clean laps in traffic and focused attention to pit stop routines, Kyle Larson concluded the day satisfied with his progress. “Practice went pretty good today,” he said, highlighting the car’s improved competitiveness, especially when drafting in dirty air—a crucial factor during the Indy 500’s chaotic midfield battles.
Kyle Larson’s support network at McLaren Racing continues to play a key role in this journey. Notably, McLaren Racing Team Principal Tony Kanaan, a 2013 Indy 500 winner, completed a refresher test by running 30 laps in the car. Although it’s unusual for a team executive to return to the driver’s seat, Kanaan will be standing by as a backup should circumstances prevent Larson from making it to Charlotte on time for the Coca-Cola 600. Kanaan emphasized that the experience was seamless, stating,
His readiness instills an extra measure of confidence in the team, ensuring every contingency is covered for the double-header weekend.
As anticipation builds for Saturday and Sunday’s qualifying rounds, teammates and rivals are posting impressive speeds. Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden recorded Thursday’s fastest lap at 226.632 mph, while Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon, another Indy 500 champion, was second on the day. Conor Daly, an Indianapolis native and fan favorite, was third fastest, with Pato O’Ward—the McLaren Racing driver sharing the pit with Kyle Larson—also breaking into the top tier for the first time that week. Yet, it is the field’s competitiveness and the ever-present threat of upsets that make Indy’s annual spectacle an enduring test of focus and courage.
Throughout the first three practice days, Alex Palou, the reigning NTT IndyCar Series points leader, has clocked the fastest overall time, underlining the fierce competition Kyle Larson faces. Amid the relentless pace and nerve-wracking traffic, the entire grid knows that one small mistake can mean the difference between advancing or being eliminated before the 500’s starting flag drops. Preparation is everything, and for Kyle Larson, every lap counts as he edges closer to making motorsports history.
Larson’s campaign for the double takes on added weight considering the physical and mental toll awaiting him. The transition from the brutal speeds and constant traffic of the Indy 500 straight to the endurance challenge of the Coca-Cola 600, with no significant rest and a cross-country flight in between, has rarely been attempted in racing history. “It’s an unbelievable ask,” commented motorsports analyst Dale Earnhardt Jr., pointing out the extraordinary demands of the challenge. Both events, independently grueling, stack on top of each other for Larson, underscoring the rare intensity of his endeavor.
Preparation for such a dual effort doesn’t rest solely on the driver’s shoulders. From nutritionists to engineers to logistics coordinators, an extensive team coordinates every aspect to maximize Kyle Larson’s potential for success. Hendrick Motorsports has tailored its plans to ensure Larson can arrive in Charlotte with minimal disruption, while McLaren Racing maintains moment-to-moment communication to adjust strategies as weather, traffic, and other factors come into play at Indianapolis.
For many fans and high school racing enthusiasts, the story of Kyle Larson this May is more than simple sporting achievement—it’s a testament to courage, resilience, and embracing the unknown. From braving near misses on the Indy oval to refining pit strategies late into the afternoon, his approach has sparked admiration across both fan bases and paddock insiders. Veteran drivers have offered encouragement and advice, recalling the immense pride and exhaustion that comes with attempting the double.
noted Tony Stewart, the last driver to finish both events on the same day.
As Fast Friday approaches—a pivotal practice focused on qualifying speed—the pressure builds. Kyle Larson’s attention to detail and relentless energy will be essential as he aims for a strong starting position among the world’s top open-wheel racers. With qualifying set to determine the 33-car grid, and with weather and changing track conditions always a factor, the stakes have never been higher for Larson’s IndyCar ambitions.
Beyond personal achievement, the success of Kyle Larson’s dual bid carries implications for NASCAR and IndyCar alike, spotlighting both disciplines to new and broader audiences. It affirms the unifying spirit of racing’s bravest, reminding fans why Memorial Day weekend stands apart in the sporting calendar. Should Larson conquer both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600, he’ll etch his name into motorsports lore, fulfilling a dream and inspiring countless aspiring drivers to chase greatness no matter the odds.
As the countdown continues, all eyes remain on Kyle Larson. Through grit, preparation, and an unwavering will to compete, he is poised on the edge of history. The next few days will not only test his limits—they will define a career and ignite imaginations across the world of racing.
