Dale Earnhardt Jr. has spoken out to defend Kyle Larson following a difficult weekend during his second attempt at the high-profile double race effort, which includes the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. Disappointment struck both events for Larson, and the NASCAR legend’s public support comes as fans voiced harsh criticism following the setbacks.
Expectations and setbacks for Larson’s 1,100-mile challenge
Anticipation was high for Kyle Larson to pull off the rare double, especially after last year’s attempt was thwarted by poor weather. This year, disaster struck in each race: in Indianapolis, his #17 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet lost control on a restart, colliding with the wall in Turn 2 and involving Kyffin Simpson and Sting Ray Robb, which ended Larson’s run after just 92 of the 200 scheduled laps. The result left him 27th in the standings for the Indy 500, accomplishing only 336 laps out of the full 1,100-mile bid.
Trying to rebound, Larson headed to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600, but hopes for redemption faded on Lap 246. An incident initiated when Chase Briscoe’s #19 Toyota clipped Ryan Blaney exiting Turn 4 led to Daniel Suárez spinning and directly hitting Larson, who had just regained lead-lap status following an earlier accident. This chain reaction left Suárez, Larson, and Blaney classified 36th, 37th, and 38th, respectively, further amplifying the weekend’s difficulties for the celebrated driver.
Earnhardt Jr. challenges fan criticism and hails Larson’s courage
Amid widespread negative reactions and social media jabs referencing Larson’s self-proclaimed status as one of the world’s best drivers—comparing himself to Max Verstappen—Dale Earnhardt Jr. addressed the growing backlash on his Dale Jr. Download podcast. He argued that critics had become too harsh given the magnitude of what Larson attempted, especially with attention on NASCAR’s rule changes that forced Larson to put the Coca-Cola 600 above the Indy 500 if scheduling conflicts arose.
On the show, Earnhardt Jr. stated,
I will say this: I admire Larson’s ability. I admire Larson and anyone who’s willing to be humbled. And it takes more balls to be humbled than it does to get in something comfortable and fast.
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Legend and Podcaster
According to Earnhardt Jr., the difficulty of stepping outside familiar territory and trying to conquer something so formidable takes more courage than simply adding to a record with easier victories. He expressed that, considering Larson’s established stature in the sport, there was no pressing need for him to undertake such a risky endeavor but admired that Larson did so regardless.
Multiple challenges and Earnhardt Jr.’s perspective on future attempts
Larson’s preparation at Indianapolis was challenging, with difficult practice sessions foreshadowing a tough race. Compounding his obstacles, NASCAR’s scheduling policy forced him to prioritize the Coca-Cola 600, an added complexity that made pulling off the double even more challenging. The events of this season clearly showed the immense difficulty in attempting the feat, both physically and logistically.
Despite Earnhardt Jr.’s respect for Larson’s ambitions, he indicated he was not eager to see the No. 5 HMS driver make another double attempt in the near future, citing the vast logistical and scheduling challenges involved.
The ongoing impact of Larson’s double attempt
The scrutiny following Kyle Larson’s double effort highlights the high risks drivers face when pushing their limits. While some, like Dale Earnhardt Jr., see extraordinary character in tackling such challenges even at the risk of public failure, others remain critical. As NASCAR and IndyCar evolve, these attempts spark debate about driver bravery, the reality of multi-series competition, and the ever-present unpredictability of motorsports at the highest level.
