Kyle Larson withdraws from Supercars debut after Indy 500 setback, ending his anticipated entry into the Australian racing series this year. The accomplished NASCAR Cup Series champion, who had set his sights on competing in both the Supercars event and the famed Indy 500, is stepping back after a challenging few weeks marked by high-profile crashes in both U.S. races.
Larson, recognized for his adaptability in various motorsport disciplines—ranging from NASCAR to sprint and IndyCar—had made significant preparations for his first attempt at the Supercars Championship. Teaming up with PremiAir Racing, he planned to compete as a wildcard and also take part in the circuit‘s speedway action with Jason Pryde Motorsport. Despite this groundwork, Larson recently informed key stakeholders of his decision not to go forward, citing the compounding difficulties encountered during his recent attempt to double up on major race events.
Larson Cites Logistical Hurdles and Timing as Key Barriers
Though he has not offered a detailed public explanation for pulling out, Larson’s recent statements strongly indicate logistical challenges and fatigue as contributing factors. During the Nashville weekend, he provided insight into his decision when speaking with Kelly Crandall. He noted the immense time commitment required for the Supercars effort, especially given its proximity to the NASCAR off-season and holiday period.
“You have to be down there for probably two or three weeks, and it’s around holiday season, just fresh off our Cup season. I mean maybe, maybe for sure. If not this year, down the road another time.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series champion
When asked if he was still considering the prospect or had made up his mind, Larson simply replied, “Yeah.” PremiAir Racing, which had set aside a car for his potential Supercars debut, is now exploring alternative drivers, possibly seeking another Chevrolet expert or reevaluating its approach to attracting star talent from abroad.
Project Surprise and Patterns in Supercars Crossover Withdrawals
The decision by Larson has taken organizers by surprise, as the attempt at a Supercars stint was widely regarded within the industry and was set for an official announcement in the coming week. This marks a repeat of last year’s situation, where fellow NASCAR standout Kyle Busch withdrew from his scheduled Adelaide appearance. Busch had been arranged to drive a Triple Eight Camaro for RCR, backed by Peter Adderton’s MobileX.
Larson News:
Unfortunately Kyle Larson will be pulling out of a Supercars debut later this year, due to the issues related to the double in previous weeks.
Doesn’t mean he won’t do it in the future, I’d say he is focused to win a Cup Championship. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/yL70nWT8DY
— Kyle Larson Zone (@KLarsonZone) June 3, 2025
Larson’s withdrawal highlights a persistent challenge for crossover events, especially as the Adelaide race is the lone Supercars stop outside the regular 36-round NASCAR Cup Series schedule. That limited window, coupled with its proximity to major holidays, intensifies the logistical and personal demands on any NASCAR driver considering the endeavor.
Future Prospects for Larson and the Supercars Series
Kyle Larson had spoken of his plans to race in Adelaide as recently as April, describing it as a “bucket list” target. His departure from this plan leaves questions open for future U.S.-Australian motorsport collaborations, but he has made it clear the option could be revisited. Meanwhile, speculation is rising that Ford-backed teams may consider stepping into the gap left by Larson, presenting new opportunities for cross-series participation.
On the American side, the Supercars-to-NASCAR flow remains active, with Will Brown and Jack Perkins preparing guest appearances at Chicago and Portland races, respectively. For now, however, the high-profile Supercars debut by a current NASCAR Cup champion is off the table, underscoring the intense balance required between ambition, scheduling, and personal stamina for elite drivers seeking to race across continents.
