Kyle Larson has openly expressed his embarrassment following a disappointing run at the Indianapolis 500, marking another setback in his ongoing effort to conquer both IndyCar and NASCAR events in a single day. Larson’s pursuit of the challenging double—running the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 consecutively—has highlighted both his ambition and the difficulties faced during these endurance races.
Kyle Larson’s Challenging Attempts at “The Double”
Kyle Larson, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has made concerted efforts over the past two seasons to complete “The Double,” aiming to compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. In 2024, Larson took the start at the Indy 500 with Arrow McLaren, qualifying impressively in fifth position. During the initial stages of the race, Larson advanced as high as the lead during pit stop cycles, raising hopes for a breakthrough. However, severe weather delays forced organizers to push the Indy 500 back by several hours, which derailed Larson’s plans to immediately proceed to the NASCAR event later that day. He ultimately finished 18th in his debut at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the interruption meant his ambitious double-header bid fell short.
After his attempt, the Hendrick Motorsports driver revealed the toll the effort took on him emotionally, particularly after a difficult weekend that included both IndyCar and NASCAR events in Phoenix.
“If the opportunity was there. I think my Double was so bad that I’m too embarrassed to get back in,”
Kyle Larson said.—Kyle Larson, Driver
Setbacks in Rookie of the Year Bid and Subsequent Seasons
Despite his evident struggles, Larson’s debut earned him the Indy 500 Rookie of the Year accolade in 2024. Motivated by this milestone, he returned to Indianapolis the following season, again hoping to complete the grueling 1,100-mile challenge. However, his 2025 return was marred by misfortune: after qualifying 19th, he spun and collided with another competitor around lap 91, ending his run prematurely. The ongoing difficulties persisted into the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where contact with the wall and subsequent involvement in a multi-car accident forced his No. 5 Chevrolet out of contention. These high-profile setbacks at both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 have become hallmarks of Larson’s attempt at inter-series success.
Phoenix Race Brings Slight Reprieve Amid Tough Stretch
The latest weekend offered some redemption for Larson when he secured a podium finish in the NASCAR Cup Series event at Phoenix Raceway. Starting near the front, the driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet gradually lost ground, spending significant laps within the top ten before steadily reclaiming positions as the race wore on. In the closing circuits, Larson’s determined effort put him back in contention, and he crossed the finish line in third place behind Christopher Bell and race winner Ryan Blaney at Arizona’s one-mile oval.
“Was not expecting that with how bad we were, but again, proud of the team, and yeah, just got to get a lot better here. It’s rewarding to run like (expletive) all day and finish third, but I would love to come here and control our own destiny and lead laps, get stage points, all that sort of stuff, and then get a good finish,”
Kyle Larson said (via NASCAR.com).—Kyle Larson, Driver
Looking Ahead for Larson and the Double Challenge
Despite his ongoing challenges at marquee racing events, Larson’s competitive spirit remains visible through his willingness to discuss both his shortcomings and his aspirations. His quest for improvement and the possibility of future attempts at the Indy 500 signal a desire to eventually master the demanding doubleheader. The efforts put forth by Larson, Arrow McLaren, Hendrick Motorsports, and his dedicated team highlight the immense level of commitment required to compete at the highest levels of both IndyCar and NASCAR. As attention turns to Larson’s next steps, his recent comments underscore the emotional and physical toll that comes with striving for racing history at venues like Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Phoenix Raceway. The motorsports community will be watching closely to see whether Larson makes another run at the elusive double and if he can turn embarrassment into triumph in seasons to come.
Kyle Larson back in INDYCAR? Alex Palou trying NASCAR?
What do you think? pic.twitter.com/PM4HY6tzEP
— Motorsport (@Motorsport) March 10, 2026
