Kyle Larson is aiming to complete the Indy 500 and Coke 600 double, a feat only four drivers have attempted and just one has finished in full, as he tries again following a weather-interrupted effort in 2024. The challenge involves competing in two major races at two distant tracks—Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway—on the same day, making it one of motorsport’s toughest tests.
The Challenge of Racing Two Legendary Events in One Day
Tackling 1,100 miles of high-speed competition in a single day demands extraordinary endurance, especially when switching between two vastly different cars and environments. For drivers like Larson, it means starting in Indianapolis for the iconic Indy 500 just after lunchtime, then rushing to North Carolina to race in NASCAR’s grueling Coca-Cola 600, often not finishing until nearly midnight. Few have succeeded; rains, mechanical issues, and logistics often dash even the most prepared athletes’ hopes.
Kyle Larson, who competes with Arrow McLaren, faced these obstacles firsthand in 2024. Bad weather delayed the Indianapolis start and the same storms swept through North Carolina, cutting the NASCAR event short before Larson could even take over from Justin Allgaier in the Coke 600. Despite these setbacks, Larson remains determined to complete both races in a single day, an accomplishment that would earn him a place among the sport’s elite.
John Andretti Pioneers the Double
The first driver to accomplish the marathon effort on the same day was John Andretti in 1994. At the time, Andretti was committed to NASCAR but relied on his experience with open-wheel racing to tackle the Indy 500, where he finished a respectable tenth. After hustling to Charlotte, he started at the back due to his late arrival. Although he crashed early in the Coca-Cola 600, he stayed in the running until his car failed after 220 laps.
Robby Gordon: The Most Persistent Contender
Robby Gordon stands out for attempting the Indy-Charlotte Double more than anyone else, with five determined tries. His first effort in 1997 ended when severe weather forced the Indy 500 to be postponed to Monday and Tuesday. In 2000, storms kept him from starting the Coke 600 on time, meaning P.J. Jones took the initial laps before Gordon joined mid-race. Gordon’s first full completion came in 2002, as he ended the Indy 500 in eighth and finished the 600 one lap down, just short of 1,100 total miles.
Weather continued to plague his attempts; in 2003, rain cut the Charlotte race short, though he did complete both events. The following year, unpredictable timing meant Gordon had to swap out of the Indy car mid-race to meet his NASCAR start time, with Jaques Lazier finishing the Indianapolis leg for him, but Gordon retained the official credit.
Tony Stewart Achieves a Perfect Double
Tony Stewart, recognized for his illustrious NASCAR Cup Series career, provided the gold standard for “The Double.” Stewart competed in both the Indy 500 and Coke 600 in 1999 and 2001. His debut saw him finish ninth at Indianapolis and fourth at Charlotte, though he was four laps shy of completing every mile at Indy.
His 2001 run, however, was flawless. With Chip Ganassi Racing at the Indy 500, Stewart finished sixth, and then took third place at Charlotte with Joe Gibbs Racing. Stewart remains the only driver in history to complete every lap of both races, covering the full 1,100 miles—a record that still stands above all others who have tried this racing double.
Kurt Busch: The Last Driver to Run Both in One Day
Kurt Busch, the most recent to successfully race both events on the same day, made his attempt in 2014, overcoming adversity after a crash during practice for Indy. Busch rebounded impressively and finished sixth at the Indy 500, being named Rookie of the Year. His fortunes turned in Charlotte, though, when he suffered a major engine failure and had to retire after 271 of 400 laps.
Interest in tackling both the Indy 500 and Coke 600 persists. Kurt’s brother, Kyle Busch, came close to securing rides for both events in 2017 and 2024 but fell short. Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup champion, also ran the Indianapolis leg in 2022, although he did not attempt the same-day challenge with the Coke 600.
Kyle Larson’s Determination and What Lies Ahead
Kyle Larson’s goal to join the rare group of drivers who have braved both the Indy 500 and the Coke 600 on the same day captures the spirit of endurance and ambition at the heart of motorsport. Weather proved relentless in 2024, denying him a true shot at the double, yet Larson will line up on Sunday for another chance, starting 19th at Indianapolis.
If successful, Larson will stand alongside legends like John Andretti, Robby Gordon, Kurt Busch, and Tony Stewart, whose prior feats have set the bar high for this ultimate motor racing test. His pursuit will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike, serving as a potent reminder of the skill, tenacity, and unpredictability that define top-level racing.
