Kyle Larson, one of NASCAR’s top drivers, faced a tough setback on Friday during practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As he prepares to attempt the grueling doubleheader of competing in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day later this month, Larson’s second crash of the year at Indianapolis has raised concerns about his readiness. This article breaks down what happened during the crash, Larson’s reaction, and how it affects his participation in the upcoming NASCAR All-Star Race weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
Kyle Larson’s Crash at Indianapolis: What Happened?
During Friday’s practice session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Larson was only on his fourth lap when he lost control of his car entering Turn 3. The back end slid up the track, causing the car to hit the wall nose first before sliding into Turn 4 and striking the wall again with the rear of the vehicle. The impact was significant but fortunately left Larson uninjured.
This incident marked Larson’s second crash at the famed track in 2025, having previously wrecked during last month’s open test. His crash in practice was attributed to a loss of front grip in Turn 3, causing the car to spin out rapidly once it started to come around. Despite the severity of the crash, Larson quickly assured fans he was fine and ready to move forward.
Kyle Larson’s Response and Outlook
In an interview with FS1 following the crash, Larson remained optimistic about his condition and the performance of his car. He said, “I’m OK. Just had a lot of front grip there in Turn 3, so just kind of bit and felt it come around, and it comes around quick once it does that. Yeah, bummer. I don’t know. It is what it is.” He reflected on the differences between this crash and the previous one at the open test, noting that last time he hit the wall with the right front, while this time he backed into it.
Kyle Larson goes around and into the wall at #Indy500 practice. pic.twitter.com/UjkHctURKk
— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) May 16, 2025
Larson also acknowledged that the crash caught him off guard but insisted that he tends to move on quickly from such setbacks. “I think we’ll be fine. I tend to get over things pretty quickly. I know I spun, but my balance felt pretty close to being good. Just work on it a little bit. We’ll be good.” Larson’s measured approach and confidence highlight his determination to overcome this rough patch ahead of a very demanding race schedule.
Impact on NASCAR All-Star Race Weekend
Larson’s crash at Indianapolis forced him to miss Friday’s practice and qualifying sessions for the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Justin Allgaier stepped in to drive Larson’s car during those sessions. According to Hendrick Motorsports, Larson’s team will not participate in the Saturday heat races, which are crucial for setting the starting lineup for Sunday’s main event.
Due to this absence and the driver change, Larson will start at the rear of the field for the All-Star Race. Despite the setback, Larson will still compete on Sunday, underscoring his commitment to the event even as he balances his preparation for the upcoming Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 doubleheader challenge.
News in Brief: Kyle Larson’s Indianapolis Crash
Kyle Larson’s recent crash at Indianapolis serves as a reminder of the intense challenges drivers face as they push the limits on multiple fronts. While the incident disrupted his preparations and forced a start from the back of the pack in the NASCAR All-Star Race, Larson’s calm and positive attitude points to a driver ready to learn and adapt. As Larson looks ahead to his demanding schedule, his resilience will be tested—but his determination remains clear. For now, NASCAR fans will watch closely to see how he bounces back on North Wilkesboro’s historic track.
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