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NASCAR insider: Kyle Larson has a 'great shot' to win 2025 Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600

Nick Profile Picby: Nick Geddes12/02/24NickGeddesNews
Kyle Larson
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kyle Larson attempted to complete the Indy-Charlotte Double in 2024 by racing the full 1,100 miles in the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 in the same day.

Unfortunately, Larson’s attempt didn’t go as planned. In May, rain pushed back the start of the Indy 500 resulting in Larson missing the beginning of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. After finishing P18 at Indianapolis, he jetted over to Charlotte and arrived with 151 laps left in the Coca-Cola 600. Mother Nature once again struck, however, and NASCAR called the race early before Larson ever hopped into his No. 5 Chevrolet.

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Larson is running it back in 2025, and Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic believes he has a “great shot” to not only complete both races but perhaps finish in Victory Lane.

“I’m excited for him to have that opportunity again next year and I think he’s going to be going to Indy, and I think he’s gonna have a great shot [to win] now that’s he’s got more experience and everything else,” Bianchi said on Monday “The Teardown” podcast. “I think he’s got a shot to win that race. I really firmly do, and then he’s obviously gonna have a chance to win the 600.”

Kyle Larson to give Indy-Charlotte Double another try in 2025

Larson was impressive in his IndyCar Series debut, setting an Indy 500 Qualifying single lap rookie record by posting an average speed of 233.543 mph on Lap 1 during Top 12 qualifying. He ran inside the top-10 before a pit road penalty knocked him out of contention.

Larson will attempt The Double on May 25, 2025. This time, Hendrick Motorsports will have further contingencies in place if weather impacts the Indy 500. Rick Hendrick said in September that Larson will race in the Coca-Cola 600 if there’s rain and the start of the Indy 500 is delayed. 2004 IndyCar Series champion Tony Kanaan will serve as the backup driver for the No. 17 Dallara DW12.

“I really enjoyed the month of May in Indy and racing with Arrow McLaren, but I was really disappointed with missing the Coca-Cola 600 with the No. 5 HendrickCars.com team,” Larson said. “Appreciate the second opportunity because we have unfinished business. I really want to complete all 1100 miles, and I think we have the opportunity to battle for the win in both events.”