Kyle Larson NASCAR double duty Indianapolis headlines a thrilling weekend as four drivers take on both the Xfinity Series and the Cup Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Set for a packed schedule, Larson and fellow competitors are drawing attention with their high-profile double duty participation at one of racing’s most prestigious tracks.
Four Drivers Embrace the Demands of Double Duty
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home to the iconic Brickyard 400, will see Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson leading the group of racers running in both NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Series races. This ambitious endeavor is shared by Jesse Love, Katherine Legge, and Josh Bolicki, all aiming for big results across both events.
Larson, defending last year’s Brickyard 400 victory, will pilot the #17 HMS Chevy for the Xfinity Series. Jesse Love steps into the Cup Series with the #62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro, Katherine Legge extends her collaboration with Livefast Motorsports, and Josh Bolicki returns with his familiar Garage 66 entry after a solid 21st at the Chicago Street Race.
Experience Levels and Track Familiarity Among the Drivers
Of the four, Kyle Larson and Josh Bolicki both bring previous oval experience at Indianapolis. Katherine Legge, while newer to NASCAR at this circuit, carries years of Indy 500 competition in her resume. Jesse Love, meanwhile, only marked his Indianapolis Motor Speedway debut last year in Xfinity with Richard Childress Racing.
Kyle Larson Seeks Redemption After Earlier Setbacks
After an ambitious Indy-Charlotte double attempt earlier in the year ended with Kyle Larson’s early exit and a non-finish in Charlotte, he has recalibrated his approach to double duty at Indianapolis. These earlier challenges ended Larson’s immediate plans for tackling the 1,100-mile feat but did not dampen his competitive drive.
Larson’s Thoughts Ahead of the Double Challenge
Kyle Larson, reflecting on his Indianapolis return, discussed his hopes and approach in an interview with NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass. The racer highlighted last year’s performance as motivation for the upcoming weekend:
“I’m happy to get to going back to Indy. We were strong there last year and had some good fortune and was able to get the win. Good to do double duty this weekend with Xfinity also, so hopefully you have a couple good runs and yeah, just getting back to being consistent and getting consistent finishes. So Indy’s always a good time,”
he said.
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Current Standings and Recent Performances
Despite difficulties during the Memorial Day races, Kyle Larson made a strong comeback with a win at Kansas Speedway. However, subsequent races have seen him fall short of the top-ten, resulting in a slip in the standings. His Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott now leads NASCAR’s driver championship by 16 points, with Larson in third, trailing by 38 points.
What Awaits at Indianapolis This Weekend
Spectators can catch the Cup Series main event on TNT Sports at 2 PM ET. The Xfinity Series race occurs the day before, airing on CW Sports at 4:30 PM ET. Each double duty driver, including Jesse Love, Katherine Legge, and Josh Bolicki, will seek to make their mark at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, while Kyle Larson aims to regain momentum and add another chapter to his storied racing history.
The weekend at Indianapolis promises intense action and could signal turning points for several top drivers as they chase victory and points on one of NASCAR’s biggest stages.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Jeff Gordon a NASCAR driver?
A. In the 1990s, Gordon made a big impact in NASCAR by winning a premier series title at age 24, setting a record as the youngest driver to do so in 1995. He achieved three additional championships in 1997, 1998, and 2001. That year, his team, the Rainbow Warriors, known for their vibrant No. 24 Chevrolet, claimed a modern era-record 13 victories.
Q. Can a girl become a NASCAR driver?
A. Katherine Legge is set to become the first woman to race in the NASCAR Cup Series since Danica Patrick’s 2018 appearance. She will compete in Sunday’s Shriners Children’s 500 in Phoenix.
Q. Is Jeff Gordon a NASCAR driver?
A. The Rainbow Warrior, Gordon, quickly gained fame in NASCAR during the 1990s. At 24, he became the youngest driver in the modern era to win a top series championship in 1995. He continued his success by winning three more titles in 1997, 1998, and 2001.
Q. Who is the tallest NASCAR driver?
A. Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall, Elzie Wylie “Buddy” Baker was a significant figure in NASCAR Cup racing between 1959 and 1992. Baker achieved 19 victories in Cup races, such as the World 600 at Charlotte in 1972 and 1973 and the Southern 500 in 1970. He is thought to be the tallest driver in NASCAR Cup history and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2020.
