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Kyle Larson explains motivation behind racing Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra•05/28/23•

SamraSource

Kyle Larson
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Kyle Larson is one of the greatest wheelmen on the planet, and he’ll be looking to prove as much during Memorial Day Weekend 2024.

The Hendrick Motorsports star will attempt to race both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same Sunday in 2024, something only a handful of drivers have done before. Speaking with NASCAR on NBC from Charlotte, Larson explained his thought-process behind the decision.

“It is, it will be,” responded Larson, told racing both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in the same day will be a tough task. “I don’t know, I mean I love racing. I love trying new things. I love like, learning new disciplines, and I love competing in the biggest races, and in my opinion, this is the biggest race in the world. So I’ve wanted to be a part of it for a long time, and finally feel like the timing is right.

“So thanks to Arrow McLaren, Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon. It’s pretty cool to have a dream come true.”

In the past, drivers such as Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, John Andretti and Kurt Busch have raced The Double, and Kyle Larson will add his name to that illustrious list next season. It’ll be an admirable attempt next season, and one the entire motorsports world will be looking forward to.

Denny Hamlin addresses whether he would compete in Indy 500

On the other hand, Denny Hamlin is one of the NASCAR Cup Series’ 15 winningest drivers and has claimed victory in just about every big race the circuit has to offer. 

Having nearly mastered stock racing, only chasing the elusive Cup Series championship, many have wondered if Hamlin would ever venture into the IndyCar Series — specifically the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). The 42-year-old provided the answer during a recent episode of his “Actions Detrimental” podcast.

“I probably wouldn’t,” Hamlin said. “I’m smart enough to appreciate the skill level of any professional in their profession. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a golfer or a basketball player or a race car driver — I respect that that is what you grew up doing.

“I respect that you are an elite talent in that profession, because you spent your whole life doing it and you got to this level because you’re very very good. And I would probably go to Indy and look silly.”

Continuing, Hamlin also complimented the type of racing that takes place in the Indy 500 before offering a solution for the Cup Series to bring back the Brickyard 400. NASCAR has done away with the Brickyard 400 in recent years in favor of a road course at IMS, but some drivers are ready for a return to the traditional configuration.