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Kyle Larson is ready for one of motorsportโs toughest tests as he prepares for the โDouble,โ aiming to race both the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Practice wrapped up on Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where conditions were sunny and the temperature reached the high 60s.
This set the stage for the 109th running of the famous race. The 33-car field completed a two-hour Carb Day practice just two days before the big event. For more details on the history of the Indianapolis 500, visit the official Indianapolis Motor Speedway page.
The week leading up to the Indianapolis 500 included several major storylines. Two Team Penske cars were penalized during Fast 12 pole qualifying for illegal modifications.
Josef Newgarden, who won the last two Indy 500s, responded by setting the fastest time in Fridayโs practice. His teammate Will Power, moved to the back of the grid due to the penalty, ranked fifth fastest.
Both drivers later competed in the Pit Stop Challenge, where Newgarden earned his third event win. Meanwhile, 25-year-old rookie Robert Shwartzman clinched the pole on his first oval start, though he finished Fridayโs practice 29th in speed.
Kyle Larson is ready for one of motorsportโs toughest tests as he prepares for the โDouble,โ aiming to race both the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion and current points leader, put in steady laps during practice. He finished 26th in single-lap speed but showed his strength in race conditions, placing among the top six for both 10-lap and 20-lap average runs. More on Larsonโs steady pace can be found in recent coverage of his Indy practice.
Larson reported that his No. 17 McLaren Arrow Chevrolet felt balanced and that he remained optimistic about his chances. Starting from the seventh row is new territory, as last year he began from the second row in fifth position.
Larson discussed the need to balance aggression and patience, especially when fighting through the pack at the start.
On Friday, several experienced drivers faced issues. Alexander Rossi, the 2016 winner, drove only five practice laps before car troubles forced a trip to the garage.
Graham Rahal needed an engine change after 21 laps, and Conor Dalyโs team halted practice for a detailed inspection, although Daly managed 59 laps and posted the 10th fastest time. Later, Ryan Hunter-Reay had to pull his car off the circuit when it caught fire, raising concerns about the new hybrid system in use this year. For more information on hybrid technology in motorsports, check out this SAE International resource.
Following practice, fans enjoyed the Pit Stop Challenge, a Carb Day tradition. Drivers then shifted their focus to final events before race day, including a public meeting for drivers and the parade through downtown Indianapolis.
Sundayโs Indianapolis 500 is set for a noon start. Larson will quickly turn his attention to NASCARโs Coca-Cola 600 that evening, driven by his goal to finish both events on the same day.
Larsonโs Double attempt is something only a few drivers have managed in history. Last season, he nearly did it, but this yearโs challenge is clear with a deeper starting spot at Indy. The elite group attempting the Double has been documented in detail, highlighting the unique demands of this feat (Kyle Larson joins elite group).
Larson is staying positive about his carโs speed and handling, believing he can move forward with a smart approach. He also spoke about strategy, noting that advancing too quickly could lead to mistakes.
Race week in Indianapolis brought drama, excitement, and anticipation for fans and teams. While Newgarden and Power rebounded well from penalties, and a rookie took the spotlight in qualifying, all eyes turn to Larson and his ambitious goal of completing 1,100 miles at two major tracks in one day.
Finishing both high-profile races would be a highlight for the NASCAR champion and provide fans with a memorable Memorial Day weekend. The challenge of racing at both the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Charlotte Motor Speedway in one day puts Larson in rare company (Charlotte Motor Speedway). For more insights into the history of motorsport achievements, visit the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
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 Ohioโs Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.