Kyle Larson is set to begin the Memorial Day Double attempt in 2025 from the front row in the Coca-Cola 600, following a successful qualifying session that places him second for NASCAR’s longest race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. As Larson gears up to chase the rare feat of racing both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, all eyes are on whether he can join a select group of drivers who have completed this demanding challenge, with the Kyle Larson Memorial Day Double bid in 2025 taking center stage.
Kyle Larson Takes on Memorial Day Double After Strong Qualifying
Completing qualifying runs at both the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson is now set for the grueling Memorial Day Double. He will compete for 500 miles in an IndyCar during the Indianapolis 500 before traveling to Charlotte, North Carolina, to race another 600 miles in his NASCAR stock car that evening.
Larson came close to securing pole position for the Coca-Cola 600, clocking in just 0.093 miles per hour behind Chase Briscoe’s pole-winning lap, with a run at 182.759 mph. This strong result positions him as a leading contender in Sunday night’s race. The 2021 Coca-Cola 600 winner, Larson, is aiming to be only the fifth driver to complete both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. John Andretti, Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Kurt Busch are the only drivers to have accomplished this feat to date.
Weather Woes Ended Larson’s 2024 Attempt
In the previous year, Larson’s effort at accomplishing the Double was cut short by inclement weather. After a four-hour rain delay at the Indianapolis 500, Larson placed eighteenth, impacted by a pit-road speeding penalty. Later that evening in Charlotte, rain halted the Coca-Cola 600 after 249 laps, forcing substitute driver Justin Allgaier to step in and bring the car home in thirteenth while Larson was unable to continue.
2025 Forecast Looks Promising For Both Events
This year’s forecasts for Indianapolis and Charlotte appear much more favorable, raising hopes for Larson and fans of the Memorial Day Double. With minimal threat of rain, the chances are improved that both portions of the challenge can be completed without interruption.
Complete 2025 Coca-Cola 600 Starting Grid
The starting lineup for the Coca-Cola 600 has been set, with Chase Briscoe on pole position and Kyle Larson joining him at the front. Key drivers like William Byron, Chris Buescher, AJ Allmendinger, John Hunter Nemechek, and Ty Gibbs follow closely. Other notable names in the mix include Noah Gragson, Alex Bowman, Christopher Bell, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Tyler Reddick. The field also features racing veterans such as Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, and Kurt Busch. Rookies and up-and-coming drivers like Robert Shwartzman and Connor Zilisch add fresh faces to the high-stakes race.
Also listed among the starters are Erik Jones, Ryan Preece, Cole Custer, Shane Van Gisbergen, Riley Herbst, Bubba Wallace, Todd Gilliland, Cody Ware, Derek Kraus, Josh Bilicki, Carson Hocevar, Ross Chastain, Justin Haley, Austin Cindric, Michael McDowell, Josh Berry, Ty Dillon, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Zane Smith, Daniel Suarez, Austin Dillon, and others, highlighting the competitive depth of the field for this monumental NASCAR event.
What’s at Stake for Kyle Larson and the Racing Community
For Kyle Larson, completing the Memorial Day Double in 2025 represents both a personal achievement and a significant moment in motorsport history. If successful, he will join a group that includes racing legends Tony Stewart, John Andretti, Robby Gordon, and Kurt Busch. A successful Double would also serve as a testament to the endurance and skill required for such a feat, inspiring both fans and fellow drivers. With improved weather forecasts and strong qualifying performances, anticipation builds for a memorable Memorial Day weekend at both Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Larson and the competing field, including names like Ross Chastain, Bubba Wallace, Denny Hamlin, and many more, aim to make their mark.
