IndyCar and NASCAR driver Kyle Larson has announced he will halt efforts to complete the grueling Indy-Charlotte Double following logistical and financial hurdles. The news about Kyle Larson ends Indy-Charlotte Double attempts came Friday, with Larson citing scheduling conflicts, weather issues, and the immense costs as major factors in his decision.
Kyle Larson explains decision to stop Double attempts
After making failed runs at the Double—racing both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway—Kyle Larson shared that the complexity and risks outweighed the rewards. Both weather and accidents disrupted his efforts over the last two attempts, including this May’s Memorial Day weekend. The start of the Indianapolis 500 was pushed back nearly an hour by rain, and Scott McLaughlin and Marco Andretti were both knocked out in separate incidents before Larson’s own crash on Lap 91 ended his day with a 27th-place finish.
Even with a clean run, Larson’s team boss Rick Hendrick faced the difficult decision of potentially removing him early to get him to NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, highlighting the impossible timeline drivers face. Larson summed up his feelings:
“At least on the radar now, I would say no,”
—Kyle Larson, Driver
“Logistically, it’s just tough. The two years I’ve done it, I’ve had weather get in the mix of it. Even this year, if I didn’t crash out of the 500, I wouldn’t have been able to finish it because of the rain delay we had. Just a lot of stuff, and money, and time and resources that goes into doing the Double. Just attempting it financially — millions of dollars. So, it’s just a big risk to do the Double.”
—Kyle Larson, Driver
High stakes and unpredictable setbacks
Larson’s experiences reveal the intense turmoil and disappointment of taking on the Double. The logistics proved daunting, especially as both attempts were impacted by weather, resulting in delays and heightened stress. Even race execution brought setbacks, as crashes involving stars like Scott McLaughlin and Marco Andretti triggered cautions and added to the tension. Larson himself crashed out of this year’s Indy 500—another blow to his pursuit—and had to weigh the possibility of missing parts of either race if events ran long.
The sheer investment required to attempt the feat, with millions spent and enormous time demands, contributed to Larson’s conflicted conclusion. Despite not achieving a successful Double run, the veteran racer remained grateful for the opportunity while acknowledging the strain and disappointment each setback brought.
Future possibilities after full-time NASCAR
While Larson has drawn a line under current Double attempts, he has not ruled out a future return to the Indianapolis 500. Once his full-time NASCAR commitments conclude, he may consider another run at the historic event, motivated by his previous mistakes and desire for redemption. Larson spoke candidly about his feelings:
“I obviously wish it had gone better,”
—Kyle Larson, Driver
“… I would love to do the Indy 500 again someday when I’m done full-time racing, just because it doesn’t sit well with me that I made two mistakes in both of the years I’ve done it and didn’t get the finishes I wanted. Still, even if I don’t run the Indy 500 [again], I’m grateful to have gotten to do it. It was a fun experience, but we’ll see what the future holds.”
—Kyle Larson, Driver
Larson’s hesitancy reflects the emotional weight of unfinished business, even as he appreciates the unique chance to compete at the highest levels of American motorsports. He remains open to new attempts in coming years, especially after a potential retirement from NASCAR.
A rare and demanding double remains elusive
Kyle Larson’s decision underscores just how rare and formidable the Indy-Charlotte Double is, even for top-tier drivers. The combination of physical endurance, precise scheduling, unpredictable weather, and significant financial investment creates hurdles that few are willing or able to overcome. For fans, the announcement closes the latest chapter in the ongoing challenge surrounding one of motorsport’s most enduring tests, but leaves the door open for a Larson return to Indianapolis in the future. For now, the Double will have to wait, as Larson shifts focus back to NASCAR and reflects on a demanding but unforgettable experience.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kyle Larson better than Verstappen?
A. While Larson may not defeat Verstappen in F1, he is incredibly adaptable and skilled across various types of cars. Bianchi says Larson stands out due to his well-rounded achievements, consistently winning in many different racing formats.
Q. What caused Kyle Larson to crash?
A. A day after the accident, Bob Pockrass from FOX Sports shared Kyle Larson’s explanation on social media. Larson confirmed the crash was due to a broken axle by stating, “The axle broke.”
