Kyle Larson brings an unmistakably fearless attitude to his highly anticipated Indy 500 “Double” attempt. After experiencing two significant crashes in practice—one in April and one just last Tuesday—Larson approaches the weekend with the Kyle Larson mindset and Indy 500 double attempt firmly at the forefront of motorsport discussion. He is set to begin the iconic race from 19th position, drawing both concern and excitement from supporters who want a thrilling show without another incident.
Reflecting on Risk, Learning from Mistakes
During a live segment from Indianapolis on First Things First, Kyle Larson articulated his mental approach and preparations for Sunday’s races. Discussing the challenges of limited IndyCar laps and repeated practice crashes, Larson emphasized his refusal to hold back or settle for half-measures. He explained,
“I think I’m a little bit odd, too,”
—Kyle Larson, Champion.
He further detailed how he uses setbacks to improve his craft.
“Like, I didn’t mind crashing because it does help you find the limit. And for me, you are being particularly comfortable, I guess, experiencing in the Indy car, you got to kind of find that edge and learn. What did I feel? What can I do better next time from it?”
—Kyle Larson, Champion.
Despite minor setbacks, Larson remains positive about the experience and his team’s abilities.
“So, yeah, we’re just fine. That was in practice before qualifying. We’re able to get qualified into the race… So just got to, again, execute all the details and trust my team that we can do a good job,”
—Kyle Larson, Champion.
Obstacles, Perseverance, and the Road to Race Day
Throughout race week, Larson has fielded numerous questions covering exhaustion, unpredictable weather, and adapting between racing formats. What adds weight to this run is that this could be Larson’s final shot at the double—racing in both the Indy 500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—for the foreseeable future, due to the immense logistical demands involved. With only the Indy 500 start on his open-wheel résumé, excitement runs high among both the fans and the Indianapolis paddock over what he might accomplish this time.
Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup champion and current points leader, came close to achieving the double last year. After powering into the top ten at Indy, a costly pit-road speeding penalty pushed him down to eighteenth place. Weather played spoiler at Charlotte later that evening: by the time Larson made it to the next track, rain delays had already started the Coke 600 without him, and more storms forced the early end of the race. As a result, Justin Allgaier stepped in for the team, and Larson’s unique double bid went unfinished.
Eyes on Redemption and a Racing Legacy
Heading into Sunday’s monumental event, Larson shows no signs of backing down. He faces Indy with both determination and self-assurance, fueled by past frustration and the prospect of closing his IndyCar story on his own terms. With a formidable team behind him, and fierce competition on both the oval at Indianapolis and in the stock car arena, Larson’s efforts this weekend could define his legacy among champions who have dared the ultimate test of endurance and versatility.
