There are a lot of logistics that are going to go into Kyle Larson being able to participate and race in the Indianapolis 500. The Greatest Spectacle in Racing isn’t just a weekend event, it’s an event that lasts two weeks.
During the week of the NASCAR All-Star Race, there is a lot of on-track time that will be invaluable to Kyle Larson. During the opening test session, Larson was able to post the second fastest time on the day, only trailing Josef Newgarden.
Saturday and Sunday are both qualifying days for the Indianapolis 500. Clearly, it is more important for Larson to qualify for the 500 than it is to participate in the All-Star Race.
Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports reports that Larson will miss practice and qualifying at North Wilkesboro for the All-Star Race. As for the heat races that Saturday, May 18, Larson might not make that either.
It’s going to be a busy couple of weeks for Kyle Larson between North Wilkesboro, Indy qualifying, then the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 the week after. Private jets and helicopter rides are going to be Larson’s main way of travel.
We know that Larson keeps a busy schedule throughout the week. Typically, he can be seen at a dirt track throughout the week before he suits up for the Cup Series on the weekend. So, being busy isn’t going to be that much of an issue.
Kyle Larson has a chance to make history
For the first time in ten years, a driver will attempt the Memorial Day Double. One of the most difficult feats in all of motorsports. 1100 miles of racing between Indianapolis and Charlotte. Throw in the travel time, the stress that comes with bouncing around all over the place, let alone the physical toll that will take.
Kyle Larson is more or less the spiritual successor to Tony Stewart. Dirt racer who has dipped his toe into just about every form of racing. However, Stewart had the advantage of being an IndyCar driver before he was in NASCAR. So, when he did the double, it wasn’t as big of an adjustment.
As for Larson, he is going to have to adapt quickly. Every lap on the track at Indy is going to be important for him and will only make him better. Watching talented racers learn with each lap and improve during a run is so much fun and I expect that from Larson.
With how talented Kyle Larson is, we aren’t talking about a top-10 finish at Indy. People smarter than me believe he could be a threat to win. Of course, we know that he can win at Charlotte, he already has a Coke 600 to his name. Don’t expect to see much of Larson at the All-Star Race.
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