0
0
By Ryan Pritt
CONCORD, N.C. – No matter what happens the rest of the NASCAR Cup Series season, Kyle Larson will enter 2025 with some unfinished business.
On Tuesday afternoon at Charlotte Motor Speedway, he announced he’s back in business for another go at the #Hendrick1100.
A press conference was held in the track’s media center to announce Larson’s second attempt at the Indianapolis 500, Coca-Cola 600 double with both races set for May 25, 2025. He finished 18th in last year’s rain-delayed Indy 500 and arrived in Charlotte just in time for that same storm to bring a premature end to the Coca-Cola 600 before he logging a single lap.
“I wanted to do the double I didn’t get to do,” Larson said. “Really, everybody involved wanted to see it happen as well. Glad we get to run through it again.”
Larson was flanked on Tuesday by Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, vice chairman Jeff Gordon, McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Tony Kanaan, the 2013 Indy 500 champion who served as an IndyCar coach for Larson last year. Once again, he will run the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Arrow McLaren entry at Indianapolis, a car owned by Hendrick and will serve as an Arrow McLaren teammate for Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard. Kanaan will serve as the backup driver
RELATED: Alex Bowman notches top-five finish at Atlanta
“Kyle had a great month of May and showed what a gifted race car driver he is. From a sponsorship perspective, we saw an incredible lift for HendrickCars.com and measured a three-to-one return on our investment,” Hendrick said. “It was a monumental effort by all involved, but we didn’t have the opportunity to see it through (because of inclement weather). Everyone learned a great deal that we’ll take into next year. Now that we’ve experienced it once, we know what to expect, which can only make us better and more prepared. Zak and the team at Arrow McLaren are tremendous partners, and we’re looking forward to finishing the job together in 2025.”
“Kyle showed us all what he was capable of this past May, and given a second chance with better weather conditions, I think we’ll all be excited to see him fight for a win at the Indy 500 and then another one in Charlotte,” Brown added. “He’s one of the most talented racing drivers out there, and it’s a privilege to do this again with Mr. Hendrick and Jeff Gordon, who are both world-class. We can’t wait for May.”
It was an impressive Indianapolis 500 debut for Larson a year ago. He earned Rookie of the Year honors after setting a single-lap, rookie record qualifying time of 233.43 mph, eventually qualifying fifth.
Yet, Larson feels he may be positioned even better this time around.
GALLERY: See highlights from race weekend in Atlanta
“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t feel like I had the opportunity to win both races,” Larson said. “I know that’s a very difficult task but I know it can be done, especially being with a team like Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports.”
Larson spent a large part of last year’s Indianapolis 500 running in the top 10 before a late speeding penalty on pit road put him back in the field. He won the Coca-Cola 600 in 2021.
“I think with a year of experience, hopefully, we’ll be even more competitive and I’m super confident in the NASCAR side of things that we can go (to Charlotte) and win,” Larson said. “It’s just going to be great to finally have that opportunity again and hopefully, the weather cooperates a little better.”
As for future attempts? Larson didn’t rule it out and added that even had the weather not cut his attempt well short in 2024, a return trip in 2025 would’ve still been likely.
“I love to race and I love to compete in big events. Had it gone perfect logistically and all that, I think I would still want to do it for sure because I wouldn’t have won the Indy 500,” Larson said. “I would like the chance to someday win it. It’s not a different style of race, so I feel very experienced there and I feel like someday I could win, so, just the stars have to align.”
