Kyle Larson is once again taking on one of the toughest challenges in motorsports—racing both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. But as he gears up for his second attempt at “The Double,” one major question looms: What happens if Mother Nature interferes?
A Look Back at Larson’s 2024 Double Attempt
Last year, Larson’s highly anticipated debut in “The Double” was thrown into chaos when rain delayed the start of the Indy 500 by nearly four hours. He managed to complete the race but was caught speeding on pit road, finishing 18th. By the time he could leave for Charlotte, the Coca-Cola 600 had already started—and more rain led to the race being cut short, preventing Larson from ever turning a lap.
Now, heading into 2025, fans and analysts are wondering: If rain once again disrupts the Indy 500, will Larson stay and finish the race, or will he cut his losses and jet to Charlotte for the NASCAR event?
Where Do Larson’s Priorities Lie?
Despite being a full-time NASCAR driver, Larson has made it clear that the Indianapolis 500 is a massive career goal for him. His deal with Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports is a rare crossover opportunity, and missing out on a full Indy 500 race for a second year in a row would be a major disappointment.
Reports suggest that Larson intends to prioritize Indy no matter what. That means if rain delays the start again, he’s likely to stay and complete the race, even if it means missing the Coca-Cola 600 altogether. However, NASCAR fans might wonder if Hendrick Motorsports would pressure him to get back to Charlotte on time—after all, Larson is a championship contender.
The Toughest Decision in Motorsports?
If the weather turns ugly, Larson could be forced to make a split-second decision: stay and chase Indy 500 glory, or bolt for the Coca-Cola 600 and avoid missing another NASCAR race. Either way, his choice will have massive consequences.
One thing’s for sure—when May 25 rolls around, the drama won’t just be on the track. All eyes will be on the skies, and on Kyle Larson.
