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Rick Hendrick: Coca-Cola 600 is priority for Kyle Larson, Tony Kanaan named as Indy 500 replacement driver

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•09/10/24•

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Kyle Larson (15)
Sep 4, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Kyle Larson speaks to media members during the NASCAR Playoffs Media Day at the Charlotte Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Kyle Larson will attempt the Coca-Cola 600 and Indy 500 double in 2025, but there is one race that takes priority. Per Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports, Rick Hendrick said that Larson will race the Coca-Cola 600 if there is rain for the Indy 500 and it is delayed. If that happens, Tony Kanaan will be the backup driver at Indy. Hendrick added that Larson is committed to NASCAR as he competes there full-time.

Larson announced the news on Tuesday with Hendrick, NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon who is the vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Tony Kanaan who won the Indy 500 in 2013 and was an IndyCar coach for Larson last year. For the 2025 Indy 500, Larson will run the No. 17 Arrow McLaren and will serve as an Arrow McLaren teammate for Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard. 

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“Kyle had a great month of May and showed what a gifted race car driver he is. From a sponsorship perspective, we saw an incredible lift for HendrickCars.com and measured a three-to-one return on our investment,” Hendrick said.

Kyle Larson confident he can win Coca-Cola 600 and Indy 500

“It was a monumental effort by all involved, but we didn’t have the opportunity to see it through (because of inclement weather). Everyone learned a great deal that we’ll take into next year. Now that we’ve experienced it once, we know what to expect, which can only make us better and more prepared. Zak and the team at Arrow McLaren are tremendous partners, and we’re looking forward to finishing the job together in 2025.”

“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t feel like I had the opportunity to win both races,” Larson said. “I know that’s a very difficult task but I know it can be done, especially being with a team like Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports.”

This year, Larson finished 18th in a rain-delayed Indy 500. After the race, Larson traveled to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600 but did not compete as the race ended early due to weather.

“I love to race and I love to compete in big events. Had it gone perfect logistically and all that, I think I would still want to do it for sure because I wouldn’t have won the Indy 500,” Larson said. “I would like the chance to someday win it.”