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Kyle Larson announces 2025 bid for Indy 500, Coca-Cola-600 double

Nick Profile Picby:Nick Geddes•09/10/24•

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Kyle Larson
Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Kyle Larson is running it back. Hendrick Motorsports, along with Arrow McLaren, announced Tuesday at a joint press conference at Charlotte Motor Speedway that Larson will attempt the Indy-Charlotte Double on May 25, 2025.

It’ll be a second attempt at The Double for Larson, as he fell short of completing it this year, albeit it was out of his control. In May, rain pushed back the start of the Indy 500 resulting in Larson missing the beginning of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. After finishing P18 at Indianapolis, he jetted over to Charlotte and arrived with 151 laps left in the Coca-Cola 600. Mother Nature once again reared its ugly head, however, and NASCAR made the race official before Larson ever hopped into his No. 5 Chevrolet.

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It was a disappointing day overall for Larson, but it’s only motivation for him to pull it off next year — weather permitting.

“I really enjoyed the month of May in Indy and racing with Arrow McLaren, but I was really disappointed with missing the Coca-Cola 600 with the No. 5 HendrickCars.com team,” Larson said. “Appreciate the second opportunity because we have unfinished business. I really want to complete all 1100 miles, and I think we have the opportunity to battle for the win in both events.”

Rick Hendrick said that Larson will race in the Coca-Cola 600 if there’s rain and the start of the Indy 500 is delayed. 2004 IndyCar Series champion Tony Kanaan will serve as the backup driver for the No. 17 Dallara DW12.

Kyle Larson giving Indy-Charlotte Double another shot in 2025

Larson was impressive in his IndyCar Series debut, setting an Indy 500 Qualifying single lap rookie record by posting an average speed of 233.543 mph on Lap 1 during Top 12 qualifying. He ran inside the top-10 before a pit road penalty knocked him out of contention.

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown came away pleased with Larson’s effort, leading the way for him and Hendrick to iron out a deal for him to compete again in 2025.

“Kyle showed us all what he was capable of this past May, and given a second chance with better weather conditions, I think we’ll all be excited to see him fight for a win at the Indy 500 and then another one in Charlotte,” Brown said. “He is one of the most talented racing drivers out there, and it’s a privilege to do this again with Mr. Hendrick and Jeff Gordon, who are both world-class.

“We can’t wait for May.”

Larson remains in the hunt this season for his second Cup Series championship, though he stumbled out of the gates in the playoff opener at Atlanta on Sunday. On Lap 55, Larson got loose and pounded the outside wall. That ended his day and after entering the postseason as the No. 1 seed, he’s now just 15 points clear of the cutline with two races remaining until the playoff field shrinks from 16 to 12.