Kyle Larson entered the 2024 racing season with a sharp Kyle Larson Daytona 500 focus, balancing the demands of multiple series and events. With his attention centered on the historic Daytona 500, Larson aimed to secure success amid a busy schedule with Hendrick Motorsports and his involvement in sprint car racing.
Largely Concentrating on the Daytona 500 Amid a Full Calendar
The start of 2024 presented Larson with numerous commitments, including preparation for his second Indianapolis 500 and a pursuit of the NASCAR championship. At the same time, Larson co-managed the Kubota High Limit Racing sprint car series alongside Brad Sweet, a six-time national sprint car champion and Larson’s brother-in-law. Despite these obligations, Larson publicly expressed his primary intent for the year: competing in the 66th running of the Daytona 500 on February 19, 2024.
“I really just get focused on whatever is the next thing in front of me. And right now, it’s the Daytona 500, and that’s all I care about right now.”
— Kyle Larson, Driver
Entering the highly anticipated race from 17th position, Larson managed to work his way up to an eleventh-place finish. The event saw his teammate, William Byron, secure his first Daytona 500 win for Hendrick Motorsports, a key moment for the team. Following a demanding 36-race NASCAR season, Larson closed out sixth in the overall standings, notching six race wins, 15 top-five finishes, and 18 top-10 results.
Looking Ahead: A Championship Returned, New Challenges Await
As the calendar turned to 2025, Larson reclaimed the Cup Series championship title for Hendrick Motorsports, which had previously been held by Penske. Yet, despite high hopes, his Daytona 500 result was a modest 20th place. Now in offseason, Larson is preparing for the Cook Out Clash at the famous Bowman Gray Stadium.
The attention of the racing world will once again shift to Daytona in 2026, with the 68th edition of the Daytona 500 scheduled for February 15. The 500-mile race will be broadcast on FOX, with radio coverage provided by MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, marking the official start of the new NASCAR Cup Series campaign.
Kyle Larson Reflects on the Demanding Nature and Aftermath of the Double
Attempting to compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—a feat known as “The Double”—brought fresh challenges for Larson in 2025. Unfortunately, his campaign was marred by back-to-back crashes: first at the Indy 500, before he could travel to Charlotte Motor Speedway, and then again while leading laps in the Coca-Cola 600.
“feel like I’ve made it known that I wouldn’t do the Double again,” Larson said in an interview. “I get asked about it all the time. It’s just logistically too tough.”
— Kyle Larson, Driver
“I will have FOMO from running the Indy 500. Hopefully, someday I can run that again, but I don’t have any desire to do the Double again. It didn’t go well the last two years,” he added.
— Kyle Larson, Driver
Larson’s reflection comes in the context of a select group of drivers who have attempted this dual endeavor. John Andretti, Davy Jones, Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch, and Kyle Larson himself have all tried to complete both races on the same day. Notably, Tony Stewart remains the only competitor to finish all 1,100 miles, accomplishing this in 2001 by placing sixth in the Indy 500 and third in the Coca-Cola 600.
The Ongoing Drive for Success and the Road Forward
Kyle Larson’s pursuit of high-profile achievements like the Daytona 500 and his participation in both NASCAR and IndyCar highlight his status within the sport. As he continues managing competing priorities, including his leadership in the Kubota High Limit Racing series with Brad Sweet, and chases further NASCAR victories, his decisions regarding intensive cross-series commitments will shape his legacy. Fans and the NASCAR community await Larson’s next moves as he remains a top contender and influential figure entering the next season.
Kyle Larson on how he stays focused through a big year ahead with racing in the Cup Series full time, managing High Limit Racing and preparing for the Indy 500 ⬇️
🗣"I really just get focused on whatever's the next thing in front of me."#NASCAR #Daytona500 pic.twitter.com/Q3ItWK5yB9
— SPEED SPORT (@SPEEDSPORT) February 14, 2024
"I dont have any desire to do the double again"- @KyleLarsonRacin shuts down rumors about doing the double in 2026.
Presenting partner: @MyPlaceHotels pic.twitter.com/4saK9LmaYz
— Frontstretch Open Wheel (@FSOpenWheel) June 27, 2025
