Scott McLaughlin has turned heads with his open interest in tackling NASCAR and completing Double Duty, an ambition sparked by the path forged by Kyle Larson. During the first round of Indy 500 qualifying on Saturday, May 17, McLaughlin—already a standout for Team Penske—spoke candidly about this ambition, revealing ongoing conversations with fellow racer and 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Ryan Blaney. This public admission instantly set the paddock abuzz with speculation about what might come next for the New Zealander, whose own Indy 500 campaign had already started impressively.
McLaughlin delivered a blistering four-lap average of 233.013 mph, enough for the second-fastest time in qualifying and virtually guaranteeing his spot on the grid. With much of the day’s work accomplished early, he used the downtime to join the FOX booth as a co-commentator. His presence offered unique insight, showing just how closely IndyCar and NASCAR are linked through competitors like Kyle Larson, who was himself preparing for a double attempt on the 2.5-mile oval.
When analyst Townsend Bell brought up the idea of McLaughlin following in Kyle Larson’s footsteps by pursuing NASCAR Double Duty, McLaughlin responded with openness and enthusiasm. Bell probed further, asking about The Double—a reference to racing both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. In response, the 31-year-old described his recent discussions with Ryan Blaney, underlining how much cross-series camaraderie and ambition exists within their circles. Blaney had also voiced support for Kyle Larson’s efforts, expressing a hope that Larson would finish right behind Penske teammates at the historic Indy event.
Kyle Larson’s attempt at qualifying for the 2024 Indy 500 was marked by the challenge of adapting to heavier, hybrid-powered cars. Despite a strong showing in earlier sessions, these factors prevented Larson from making the Fast 6, leading him to settle for P21 in his second attempt. Meanwhile, McLaughlin’s stellar qualifying run secured his place among the frontrunners, joining teammates Josef Newgarden and Will Power at the top of the charts, while Alex Palou narrowly edged out with an average of 233.043 mph.
As the qualifying weekend unfolded, McLaughlin became a focal point of anticipation. However, a crash in Sunday practice forced him out of contention for the Fast 12, setting him up to start the Indy 500 from twelfth on the grid. Nonetheless, his earlier comments underscored the intensity and unpredictability of the competition, especially with Alex Palou looking to defend his own reputation and Chip Ganassi Racing showing renewed speed.
Kyle Larson’s ambition has clearly inspired McLaughlin, whose willingness to bridge the worlds of IndyCar and NASCAR through Double Duty could signal a new era of high-profile crossovers. As the IndyCar season progresses and attention shifts to future schedules, the motorsports community is left eager to see whether McLaughlin will indeed follow Kyle Larson’s lead and challenge himself in both top-tier racing series, adding an exciting chapter to his career.
