Kyle Larson is redefining his racing future, drawing on Jimmie Johnson NASCAR inspiration as he shifts his focus after two challenging Double-Duty attempts. In 2025, after another unsuccessful bid to complete both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 in a single day, Larson has learned important lessons about timing and ambition, following a path carved out by NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson.
Why Kyle Larson Is Taking Cues from Jimmie Johnson
The parallels between Kyle Larson and Jimmie Johnson are striking, especially when it comes to recognizing the right moment to pivot in a successful career. After testing himself with two failed efforts at the Double—competing in the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—Larson understands the importance of timing, much like Johnson did back in 2019. Johnson, watching an IndyCar practice at the time, came to a personal realization:
“That opportunity has passed for me.”
– Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR legend
This lesson now informs Larson’s own choices. At just 33 years old and already a champion in the NASCAR Cup Series, he realizes when to push on and when to step away to preserve his long-term prospects. On the Dinner with Racers podcast, when asked about another run at the Indy 500, Larson made his position clear:
“I don’t plan on it while I’m a full-time, NASCAR guy, but I would love to do it, like put a full effort into running it maybe again someday when I’m done full-time racing,”
– Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports driver
“But I don’t know; I’m already 33.”
– Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports driver
Larson’s experience echoes Johnson’s approach. Johnson was once keen to attempt the Double, even entertaining driving a Penske IndyCar. But, constraints from teams and manufacturers ultimately sidelined his ambitions. Larson too is reevaluating his priorities, opting to focus on NASCAR while he’s at his peak.
The Hard Realities of the Double-Duty Challenge
Larson’s first Double attempt was marred by weather. Heavy rain during the 2024 Indianapolis 500 caused delays, preventing him from traveling to Charlotte in time to start the NASCAR race. The following year was even more sobering, as he crashed out of the Indy 500 after 91 laps, then rushed to the Coca-Cola 600, only to lead in the early stages before being involved in a multi-car wreck that left him finishing 37th.
This series of setbacks forced Larson to reconsider the feasibility of this legendary challenge. The logistical demands of competing at two major races on the same day are immense, and as he’s explained, putting family and career first makes the double a less likely goal for the near future. Instead, he’s committed to staying at the forefront of the NASCAR Cup Series, much like Johnson chose to do in the later stages of his own racing career.
Larson reflected on the obstacles facing drivers hoping to challenge the boundaries of age and endurance:
“I know Elio and guys there’s definitely guys, you know, in the mid 40s that are super competitive, but. We’ll see what my mentality is like then, but I just don’t want to do it right and do it legit and, and I don’t know if in your mid 40s you can,”
– Kyle Larson, HMS driver
His focus now is clear: push for more NASCAR victories and championships, drawing on the patient, long-term outlook exemplified by Johnson, rather than chase split opportunities that require monumental physical and logistical preparation.
Reflecting on IMSA Success and Considering a Daytona Comeback
Larson’s racing career extends far beyond just NASCAR. He has built an impressive reputation in sprint cars, High Limit Racing, and midget events, and between 2014 and 2016, he marked his presence in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. One of his crowning achievements was capturing the 24 Hours of Daytona title in 2015 with Chip Ganassi Racing—a victory shared with some of the sport’s biggest names, including Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, and Jamie McMurray. During this period, Larson drove the Ford Riley DP, adding a coveted Rolex watch to his list of accolades.
When asked about his most memorable wins, Larson recalled:
“It ranks really high on my list of wins for sure. It’s such a unique win too, I’m the fourth-string guy on the team, probably back then, but I just remember I’ve never won a race with a teammate, so it’s a really special, unique sort of win,”
– Kyle Larson
Now, as his children begin to carve out their own paths in the racing world, Larson has already started considering a return to the endurance classic at Daytona. Raising a family has shifted his perspective, and he’s hinted that he would relish another chance to go for glory, this time with his children by his side:
“I think at this stage in my career, yeah, I would do it again,”
– Kyle Larson
“I had fun those three years I did it. I didn’t want to keep doing it every year…And have my family there with me again because Owen… So to have my kids a part of it would be cool.”
– Kyle Larson
Chip Ganassi Racing, while still an active force in IMSA, has yet to recapture a Daytona win in the new Grand Touring prototype era. Meanwhile, new challengers, such as young Connor Zilisch, are emerging, raising the stakes for a possible Larson return in the future.
Looking Ahead: Long-Term Plans and Lasting Influence
As Larson puts hopes of another Indy 500 attempt on hold, his commitment to NASCAR remains undiminished. The lessons from Jimmie Johnson’s path—understanding when to shift focus and embracing patience—resonate deeply with him. For now, he is determined to add more wins and championships to his racing resume, but the door remains open for new adventures, such as another shot at the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Larson’s story is a testament to adapting with age and circumstance, and recognizing the right moment to chase a challenge or step away—something fans, fellow drivers, and racing organizations like Hendrick Motorsports and Chip Ganassi Racing closely follow. Whether on the ovals of NASCAR or the grueling circuits of IMSA, Larson’s drive and determination, inspired by legends like Jimmie Johnson, continue to shape his career and influence future generations of racers.
