Kyle Larson explains thought process during Indy 500 rain delay: 'Hard for me to really enjoy race day'

Kyle Larson did not like his Indy 500 debut was put on hold due to a long rain delay. While speaking at the Indy 500 Victory Celebration when accepting his Rookie of the Year Award, Larson talked about his thought process when rain hit Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“For me, I feel like leading into Indy everybody talks about the stress of qualifying and getting through the practice days. That was zero stress to me,” Larson said. “Checking my phone every two minutes for weather updates yesterday was as stressful as it got for me. It was crazy.

“It was honestly hard for me to really enjoy race day because everybody else got to run one race. I was hoping to run two and didn’t get that chance. It was still an awesome experience.”

The Indy 500 was delayed for nearly four hours. Larson finished the race at P18 and then hopped on a plane to head to Charlotte for NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600. When Larson arrived at Charlotte Motor Speedway, NASCAR suspended the race due to rain and lightning in the area. The race was then called at 249 laps, and Larson missed out on competing in the race.

Kyle Larson describes ‘disappointing’ Sunday

“What I thought could be one of the best days of my life quickly turned into one of the most disappointing ones I’ve ever experienced. I hate it for Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon, HAG, Hendrick Motorsports, everyone a part of the 5 team, everyone on the 17 IndyCar for speeding, my family, my friends, my fans, and the documentary crew that has followed along the journey the past 8 months. So much time, money, and effort went into this experience and it just kills me to have it all end the way it did. I feel like I let so many people down. We knew all along weather could throw a wrench into things but seeing it come to reality is a horrible feeling,” Larson wrote on social media.

“Up until Sunday it was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. I can’t describe how appreciative I am of everyone’s support of me to live out a dream. I hope it’s not the last opportunity I have to try the Double but if it is I guess it was memorable.

“Thank you to everyone at Arrow McLaren, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and all the competitors there for making me feel welcomed. Ready to get back on track now and get refocused on winning a 2nd championship for our team.”