Scott McLaughlin reveals Kyle Larson texted him apology after Indy 500 controversy

During the Indianapolis 500, Scott McLaughlin and Kyle Larson both had nightmare scenarios that ruined their quest for a win. McLaughlin wrecked out on the pace laps before the race went green. Meanwhile, Larson watched as rain and then McLaughlin’s wreck ate into his buffer to get from Indy to Charlotte.

The onboard camera on Kyle Larson’s No. 17 Arrow McLaren Chevy showed just how upset Larson was about the whole thing. As he drove by Scott McLaughlin, distraught at wrecking before the race even began, Larson gave a very sarcastic thumbs up.

McLaughlin reacted to the moment on social media afterward. Of course, that sent IndyCar and NASCAR fans into a fury as they went to defend their respective drivers. So, is there more to this controversy?

“No, he texted me, and we’re all good,” McLaughlin said to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. “I mean, I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for Kyle. I just love poking shit at everyone too. My tweet was a big of like making fun of that whole conversation because that’s been such a big piece. But also I wasn’t going to let him off the hook for that either. So, that’s the type of person I am.

“To his credit, Kyle, he texted me and apologized and didn’t mean it, and I know he didn’t. He’s a really respectful racer. You know, and kudos to him for even reaching out, he didn’t need to. He doesn’t care about IndyCar, you know what I mean. So, yeah.”

Kyle Larson reached out, and it appears that the two are on good terms. Nothing about it was personal, as both drivers had headaches at Indy. I’m sure it won’t be the last time the two compete against each other.

Scott McLaughlin understands Kyle Larson’s frustration

While speaking to Pockrass, Scott McLaughlin was understanding of the situation Kyle Larson was in. He had only about 40 minutes to spare to make the Double work as far as timing and everything. That time was wiped out before the race even started.

Then, with McLaughlin wrecking, it was the rotten cherry on top of it all. Larson was just reacting in real time. Besides, a thumbs up is much nicer than the usual driver-to-driver salute.

“I understand it, I do. I mean, you know, they know it’s logistically tough regardless and when you have a delay like that, I heard it was only 40 minutes. I mean, 40 minutes is cutting it pretty close in my book, even to do it. So, maybe, do the two series need to come together and talk about different times or whatever? At the same time, the Indy is Indy and the 600 is the 600, and if you want to run the risk of doing that, that’s up to you.”