Kyle Larson will attempt the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 again in 2025

Kyle Larson has confirmed that he will once again attempt the double challenge of racing both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 25, 2025. After weather issues frustrated his attempt in 2024, Larson aims to finish both races in a single day this time. The announcement was made during a press conference at Charlotte Motor Speedway, accompanied by Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon, Zak Brown, and Tony Kanaan.

Preparation for the Double Duty

Larson will once again race the No. 17 HendrickCars.com car, in collaboration with Arrow McLaren, joining the team alongside Pato O'Ward, Nolan Siegel, and Christian Lundgaard. Tony Kanaan, the 2013 Indy 500 champion, will once again be Larson’s coach. Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, emphasized that the experience gained in 2024 will help the entire team be better prepared in 2025, improving coordination and execution for both races.

"We learned a lot last year," Hendrick commented. "Although the weather gave us trouble, we were able to see the positive impact on our sponsors and recognize Larson’s potential in both disciplines. We're ready to come back better prepared."

Lessons Learned in 2024

In his debut at the Indianapolis 500, Larson delivered an impressive performance, earning the Rookie of the Year title after clocking a qualifying lap at 233.43 mph, a record for a debutant. Although he qualified fifth, a pit lane speeding penalty dropped him to an 18th-place finish. As for the Coca-Cola 600, weather conditions prevented him from completing a single lap, leaving Larson with a sense of "unfinished business."

The driver commented, "I was disappointed not to complete the doubleheader as I had hoped. The team and I are determined to try again, and with last year’s experience, I think we have a real chance to be competitive in both races."

Optimism for 2025

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, also expressed his excitement about the new opportunity: "Kyle showed what he's capable of in his first attempt. With better weather conditions and a more experienced team, we are confident he can compete for victory in both Indianapolis and Charlotte."

Larson, for his part, remained confident in his chances, acknowledging how difficult it is to win both races on the same day, but firmly believing the team is capable of achieving it.

"If I didn’t think we could win both races, I wouldn’t attempt it," Larson said. "With Arrow McLaren at the Indy 500 and Hendrick Motorsports at the Coca-Cola 600, I’m confident we can compete at the highest level."

Despite the setbacks he faced in 2024, Larson made it clear that his desire to compete in major events like the Indianapolis 500 remains strong, regardless of the results in 2025. Larson even mentioned that, even if he had completed both races in 2024, he would have considered attempting it again in 2025.

"I love racing, especially in such important events as these. Even if things go well this year, I will always want to come back and try to win the Indy 500 at some point," Larson said.