Kevin Harvick has publicly encouraged Kyle Larson to shift his attention toward NASCAR, rather than continuing to pursue the grueling Indy-Charlotte Double, following events in 2025 that highlighted the demands and challenges of competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Harvick shared his opinion after Larson’s most recent effort resulted in a series of setbacks and no concrete plans for another attempt in 2026.
Harvick, who serves as an analyst for FOX Sports, acknowledged Larson’s interest in the challenge but stressed the importance of prioritizing the NASCAR schedule going forward.
“I’m happy that he did it. I think it was great for racing. I hope it’s the last time.”
—Kevin Harvick, FOX Sports Analyst
According to Harvick, maintaining focus on NASCAR could better position Larson for future success in the Cup Series.
“focus on the NASCAR side of it,”
—Kevin Harvick, FOX Sports Analyst
While Harvick applauded the spectacle and effort involved in attempting the Double, he emphasized that the dual attempt created complications.
“At this point, he just needs to focus on the NASCAR side of it,”
—Kevin Harvick, FOX Sports Analyst
Breakdown of Larson’s Difficult Double Run in 2025
Larson’s aspirations to finish the Indy-Charlotte Double in 2025 were hampered by a mixture of circumstances. Severe weather conditions and a handful of his own on-track errors combined to prevent him from joining the elite ranks of drivers who have successfully completed both races on the same day. Larson crashed twice during practice sessions leading up to the Indianapolis 500, then was forced out of the race on Lap 91 due to another crash.
If Larson had managed to remain in the Indianapolis 500, he still faced the challenge of flying to North Carolina to make it in time for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He started the NASCAR event in a strong second position and initially showed promise, even leading the race on Lap 42. However, Larson spun on his own and later became entangled in a caution on Lap 245, effectively ending his chances to finish. The compounding misfortunes made him uncertain about pursuing another Double in future seasons.
Larson Expresses Doubts About a Return to the Double
Reflecting on the experience, Larson shared his hesitancy about repeating the demanding Double. He voiced concerns about the logistical difficulties and the narrow timing window that would continue to pose problems in future attempts.
So, I don’t really think it’s worth it. But I would love to run the Indy 500 again. Just doing the Double I think is just logistically too tough.
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
Larson also indicated that even if the racing incidents hadn’t occurred, timing constraints might have forced him to cut his Indianapolis run short regardless. The pressure of performing at two elite auto races within hours highlights the immense challenge and the mental toll it exacts on drivers. The fact that weather and other uncontrollable factors further complicated this year’s events only added to his hesitation.
Harvick Links Confidence and Conditions to Larson’s Struggles
Harvick provided further context, noting that Larson’s confidence may have suffered as the day unfolded, making recovery even harder on both tracks.
But even the best, when the confidence gets knocked down and you know you want to do great things, you can mentally talk yourself into doing things you shouldn’t and step over that line. I’m happy that he did it. I think it was great for racing. I hope it’s the last time.
—Kevin Harvick, FOX Sports Analyst
Challenging conditions at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including cool temperatures and chaotic restarts, played a part in Larson’s troubles. Harvick noted that this year’s cars were more difficult to handle compared to the prior year, leading to additional incidents in both races.
I think that last year, the cars were a lot easier to drive. He wrecked three times this year in the Indy car,
—Kevin Harvick, FOX Sports Analyst
Harvick observed that while Larson wanted to make a statement after his struggles in Indianapolis, the determination may have backfired during the Coca-Cola 600 as intense ambition sometimes leads even top drivers to misjudgments. Harvick highlighted how both physical and mental demands of a Double attempt can challenge a competitor’s usual control and composure.
I think that last year was great. This year, he had a lot of trouble with the car. A lot of guys had a lot of trouble with the car with how hard it was to drive. Tough conditions with the cool temperatures and chaos on the restarts. They had a lot of trouble passing at Indy, you saw those two lap cars at the end of the race the leader couldn’t even pass.
—Kevin Harvick, FOX Sports Analyst
Future Outlook for Larson and the Double Attempt
Looking ahead, Harvick stands by his view that Larson has proven his ability and dedication, but that chasing the Double further may not be the best use of his talents at this stage. Both Harvick and Larson seem to agree that the feat is remarkably challenging, with unpredictable factors making success elusive—a sentiment felt by fans and observers across NASCAR and IndyCar circles.
As a 2021 Cup Series champion, Larson’s decision about whether to attempt the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 Double again will be closely watched. Harvick’s remarks carry weight in the motorsports community, highlighting the risks and sacrifices associated with splitting focus between two of auto racing’s most prestigious events. The ongoing debate underscores a broader question about how top drivers should navigate cross-series ambitions versus maximizing their performance in a single discipline.
