Last season NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson announced that he would “run the double” – race in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600; a feat that has only occurred a few times. The races take place on the Sunday before Memorial Day at the end of May (25).
Unfortunately, Mother Nature had plenty to say about the idea and rains caused a long delay in the beginning of the Indy 500 and brought an early end to the Coke 600; denying Larson the opportunity to run in both races. Justin Allgaier drove the number five car until Larson Arrived at the track.
After the races, Larson hinted that he would love to try again.
On April 2, Larson made it official with the unveiling of his cars for both races. In the Indianapolis 500, Larson will race the number 17 Arrow McLaren car and for the Coca-Cola 600 he will drive his usual Hendrick Motorsports number five car.
Speaking on driving in both races, Larson said, “it was really, really cool to get to run the Indy 500. And I’m glad that I get to be buried someday knowing that I ran the Indy 500, but I want to do both. That’s why I did it last year was I wanted to do both. I think that’s why I was so bummed last year, also, is that I just didn’t get to do it. I hope that it all works out this year and we can do it and complete all the laps and get to run both races.”
After Larson’s attempt last year, NASCAR has amended their rule book saying that any driver who wants to be eligible for the championship, must run in all 36 races of the NASCAR season. After missing the 600 last year, NASCAR awarded Kyle Larson a waiver to allow them to participate in the playoff should he earn enough points. Under the new rules, Larson would not be eligible for a waiver should he miss the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Executive president for Hendrick Motorsports Jeff Gordon spoke on “doing the double” saying that the original contract was for two years with options and adding, just felt unfinished. Unfinished business for Kyle, unfinished business for Rick (Hendrick, team owner), for Hendrick, for Arrow McLaren. I mean, if you don’t complete 1,100 (miles), then it’s not over.”