Kyle Larson to race Indy 500, miss start of Coca-Cola 600, needs NASCAR waiver to remain in playoff

Kyle Larson will, in fact, stay in Indianapolis to race in the 108th Running of the Indy 500 on Sunday, according to Jeff Gluck of The Athletic.

Larson was attempting to become just the fifth driver to attempt the Indy-Charlotte Double, but with the start of the Indy 500 delayed due to storms in the area, Larson will not make it in time for the start of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Larson said earlier Sunday it was his priority to run in the Indy 500.

“It’s not just my decision,” Larson said. “I think it’s everybody within Hendrick… I think we’re all part of the decision. Jeff Gordon. Jeff Andrews. There’s just been so much time and investment into this to make this Indy 500 happen and it’s been a build up for over a year.

“So, we need to run it and I want to. I feel like I’ve got a really good shot to have a good run and potentially win. So, I want to be here, but I just wish it would all work out and we could get both races in the full distance. I don’t care if it’s on the same day. I just want to be able to race both races the full distance, but we’ll see.”

Not racing in the Coca-Cola 600 complicates matters for Larson as per NASCAR‘s guidelines, “Unless otherwise authorized by NASCAR, driver(s) and Team Owner(s) must start all Championship Events of the current season to be eligible for The Playoffs.”

Kyle Larson in need of waiver to remain eligible for Cup Series playoffs

Larson will apply for a waiver from NASCAR to remain eligible for the Cup Series playoffs. With two wins through 13 races this season, Larson sits atop the points standings. When the Indy 500 finally gets underway, Larson will start fifth.

The Indy 500 was originally scheduled to start at approximately 12:45 p.m. ET, but storms in the area forced Indianapolis Motor Speedway to delay the race. With the rain now subsiding, track drying is currently underway at IMS. The target green flag time is slated for 4:45 p.m.

Xfinity Series regular Justin Allgaier will pilot the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in the Coca-Cola 600. Allgaier, who drives the No. 7 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, sits fifth in the Xfinity Series points standings. The 37-year-old has competed in 81 Cup Series races over the duration of his career.