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Kyle Larson reflects on 'long day' qualifying for Indy 500, competing in NASCAR All-Star Race

Nick Profile Picby: Nick Geddes05/21/24NickGeddesNews
Kyle Larson
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Larson had himself a day on Sunday.

Moments after qualifying fifth for the 108th Running of the Indy 500, Larson jetted over to North Wilkesboro Speedway to take part in the NASCAR All-Star Race. If it sounds like a long day, that’s because it was for Larson, though a day he’s very proud of.

“Yeah, it was a long day but a memorable one, for sure,” Larson said on NASCAR Race Hub Monday. “I was proud of everything that we’ve been able to accomplish here at the [Indianapolis Motor] Speedway and then also proud of the way we executed our race at North Wilkesboro. You know, myself not being there for practice, never being on that racetrack before with the repave — all that I felt like I was able to get up to speed fairly quickly and our team put ourselves in the best position that we possibly could to win the race.”

At some point, Larson’s schedule will lighten up a bit. This week, however, will not be the time for that. This Sunday, Larson will attempt to become the fifth driver to complete the Indy-Charlotte Double. Following the conclusion of the Indy 500, Larson will jet over to Charlotte to race in the Coca-Cola 600. Green flag for the Indy 500 will wave at approximately 12:45 p.m. ET, while the Coca-Cola 600 begins at 6 p.m.

Kyle Larson battles with leaders during last segment of NASCAR All-Star Race

During the last segment of the 200-lap All-Star Race, it looked like Larson was going to give Joey Logano a run for his money, $1 million to be exact. After pitting for the red “option” tires, Larson quickly made his way through the field and got up to third. Then, his momentum stopped. He couldn’t pass Denny Hamlin for second and soon fell off the pace.

He battled with Chris Buescher defending third but was overtaken by the RFK Racing driver on the final lap. Larson officially finished P4.

“We just didn’t have the car balance to go with it, but I thought we were on the right strategy putting those option tires on that final segment,” Larson said. “Got to third super quick and thought I was going to win, but like I said, the car balance just wasn’t there. Joey and Denny were really good and those couple others behind us were a lot better than I was on the long run. Unfortunately, we didn’t win but still happy with the result.”