Thrilling Scenes from Kyle Larson’s 2025 Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 Challenge

Kyle Larson’s busy May schedule in 2025 includes a high-profile double attempt at the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. Larson is set to drive the No. 17 Arrow McLaren entry at Indy while also planning to compete in the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 later the same day.

On Tuesday, May 13, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was buzzing as Larson took to the track for practice, joining a field of talented drivers preparing for the 109th running of the Indy 500. Early in the day, Larson’s No. 17 was seen in the Arrow McLaren paddock as team members worked on setup and tire preparation.

The blue and papaya-colored IndyCar stood out among competitors, showing off the partnership between Hendrick Motorsports and Arrow McLaren. Larson, a 24-time NASCAR Cup Series winner and 2021 champion, spent much of the practice running both solo and in traffic, logging crucial laps as he adapted to high-speed oval racing in an open-wheel car.

During the session, Larson worked closely with the Arrow McLaren team to adjust the car’s handling as track conditions evolved. He completed multiple runs, recording lap speeds in the mid-220 mph range as the team gathered data ahead of upcoming qualifying rounds.

The Hendrick Motorsports driver also mingled with fellow drivers on pit road, even sharing a quick laugh with Graham Rahal before heading back on track for a longer stint in a drafting pack. As part of his preparation, Larson tested various race day scenarios, including pit stops and race restarts.

Several cameras caught moments of Larson walking along pit lane, helmet in hand, focused but smiling, clearly enjoying the chance to chase the rare “double” of racing in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Only a small group of drivers, including Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch, have ever attempted that feat.

For Larson, the 2025 bid marks a return to the plan originally scheduled for 2024, which weather delays forced him to postpone. Larson’s month is tightly packed, with official practice, qualifying, team strategy meetings, and travel plans all carefully arranged to fit both major events.

The Coca-Cola 600, a 600-mile NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, is scheduled just hours after the Indy 500 concludes. If all goes as planned, Larson will race 1,100 miles in a single day, testing both his endurance and adaptability across two of motorsports’ biggest stages.

Tuesday’s practice at Indy offered a preview of what’s to come as Larson chased speed and comfort in the Arrow McLaren No. 17. Fans tracking the attempt are watching closely, aware that even making the starting grids for both races is a significant accomplishment.

As May continues, all eyes remain on the North Carolina driver as he works to become the first active full-time NASCAR driver to complete the double since 2014. Larson’s effort will continue through the rest of Indy 500 practice week before focusing on qualifying.

His performances in both the open-wheel arena and NASCAR events are expected to draw attention from race fans around the world leading up to race day on May 25.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.