NASCAR amends rules for Kyle Larson at Coca-Cola 600 due to Indy 500 double

As Kyle Larson attempts to pull the Indianapolis 500/Coca-Cola 600 double in 2024, NASCAR officials are amending some rules for the Hendrick Motorsports star.

Larson is being tabbed to make history Memorial Day weekend, as he’ll drive the IndyCar race before taking a flight over to Charlotte Motor Speedway for a nightcap in the Coke 600.

On Tuesday, Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports revealed he won’t be required to be at the drivers meeting for the latter, meaning he’ll be able to avoid starting on the rear of the field.

“NASCAR says it likely will not require Kyle Larson to make the drivers meeting for Charlotte (those have become more ceremonial the last couple years). In the past, drivers doing the double have had to start at the rear. Starting spot means more now with stage points,” Pockrass posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

That’s a sizable decision from NASCAR. While Larson likely won’t need the stage points to make the playoffs, who knows what could happen during the season. It’ll likely matter more for seeding, but doing something as challenging as pulling the double shouldn’t in a penalty for Larson.

Now, the Hendrick Motorsports star can race free, and head to Charlotte afterwards. The NASCAR world will be pulling for him to pull off the incredible feat, that only some of the biggest names have done in the past.

More on Kyle Larson, 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Season

Moreover, the 2023 championship race at Phoenix was another missed opportunity for Kyle Larson. He has a NASCAR championship, but he’s chasing history now.

Larson, just 31 years old, was the eldest driver in the Championship 4 last year. He came close, but ultimately, couldn’t outrun Ryan Blaney at Phoenix. 

Entering 2024, Larson is looking to become a two-time champion. Many people believe he will end up claiming multiple championships, but he’s the one who has to make it a reality. There is no doubt that he’s a championship favorite, but we’ll see if he can get it done.

After the dust settled on last season, Larson gave a debrief on his Championship 4 run and what he is looking forward to in 2024. 

“Our pit crew and pit road just really kept us in the game,” Larson said, via Hendrick Motorsports. “We weren’t the greatest on the track, but I was hoping for pit stops because I knew the way our team executed our lights and the way our pit crew can execute a fast pit stop. They did everything in their power to give us the winning job done there. A huge thank you to them. 

“I needed to come out the leader on that restart. Ross (Chastain) got a really good start from the second row. Was hoping I could’ve got clear of Denny (Hamlin), get the lead and have Ross protect behind me. I’m not sure that would’ve made a difference. I was just not as good as a few guys, especially Blaney and Ross. My team did a really good job all season. I’m extremely proud of them.”

Time will tell if Kyle Larson can get back to Phoenix, and ultimately capture his second NASCAR title in 2024.