It isn’t every day that you hear about drivers just giving up a valued ride in the Indy 500, but Justin Haley has done just that. Twice. Haley is one of the more interesting unknowns in NASCAR. There is all of this potential, but there is a lot to prove, too.
While it sounds unusual, the 24-year-old driver has been given offers to race in the Indy 500. Or at least try to qualify for the event. This year, Kyle Larson is set to do the Memorial Day Double, which will have him race in the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 in the same day.
Drivers such as Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Kurt Busch have all made the double attempt at least once. Smoke is by far the most successful in his two Double Duty appearances.
Rick Ware Racing, Justin Haley’s new team, has an IndyCar team. Last season they raced with Sting Ray Rob to varying success. When asked by Motorsport.com, Haley said he has not looked into the Indy 500 with his new RWR organization.
“No,” Haley said to Motorsport.com. “I’ve actually turned down one or two Indy 500 rides, which is surprising. I don’t feel like I’m quite ready for it yet, but I had an opportunity to run it a few years back and then I think one other time, so I don’t know – not quite yet. I’m not quite to the point in my career where I feel like that’s something I want to tackle.
“Obviously, it would be fun being from Indiana and growing up and watching the Indy 500, but I don’t know. I just feel like I want to focus on what I’m doing right now. … I feel like the guys later in their career want to go do fun stuff like that, but for me it’s just kind of all focus on the Cup Series.”
With RWR, that door is always open for Justin Haley, though.
Does Justin Haley have talent for Indy 500 attempt?
Justin Haley is a dirt racer, he loves those Late Models and dirt modifieds. He has his own chassis manufacturing business for such race cars. Haley is also an incredibly young driver who hasn’t had his “big shot” in the Cup Series yet.
The move to Rick Ware Racing is supposed to put him on a team that could contend. Maybe not this year, but perhaps next season or the year after that. RWR is allied with RFK Racing and is in their shop. That’s very appealing to Haley as he continues his career.
When you hear that he’s been offered Indy 500 rides, and turned them down, it is a shock. However, it is clear that there are a lot of people in NASCAR and IndyCar that see the potential and talent for Haley.
Right now, it’s not going to happen. But in a few years, maybe even five or more – we could see Justin Haley in the Indy 500. First, let’s see how he does with RWR in 2024. His final year at Kaulig Racing was forgettable, finishing 26th overall. So, time to get to work.
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