Rick Hendrick has confirmed that Kyle Larson will be prioritizing NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 over the Indianapolis 500 next season. This decision means that Larson may have to leave the Indianapolis 500 early to ensure his start in the NASCAR event.
In previous attempts, Larson has tackled the ambitious Memorial Day Weekend double, racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. He struggled with poor weather, and both events failed to end how he wanted them to. Larson had partnered with Arrow McLaren to compete in Indianapolis, but a storm cell impacted the scheduling for both races, preventing him from moving to the NASCAR event in Charlotte.
A pivotal point of contention arose with NASCAR granting Larson a waiver to remain championship-eligible, despite not completing the Coca-Cola 600. This controversial decision lingered over a week before being finalized.
“We’re going to run the (Coca-Cola) 600,” Hendrick stated via Racer. “We will be here for the 600. If that means having to cut the race short in Indy, we will, because my commitment to NASCAR is that we’re in NASCAR, and that’s where we run for the championship.”
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As a precaution, a backup plan is in place with Tony Kanaan ready to step in if necessary. However, IndyCar regulations stipulate that Kanaan can only take over if he starts the race.
Kyle Larson showed good performance in his prior Indianapolis 500 attempt, securing a fifth-place qualification while finishing 18th, earning Rookie of the Year honors despite a late-race speeding penalty.
Initially, Larson’s focus was on the Coca-Cola 600 with Hendrick’s support, but the allure and preparation for Indianapolis proved enticing enough to adjust his plans. Reflecting on the practicalities, said the following:
“I think I owe it to my NASCAR team, as well, to get here in time to try and win one of the biggest races of the season, and a race that has the most implications to the season as well.
“So right now, I’m OK with it.”
Moving forward, Rick Hendrick’s strategy for the upcoming season is clear:
“We’ve made that commitment. We’re going to be here in Charlotte,” he confirmed.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown said the following about his driver:
“Kyle showed us all what he was capable of this past May, and given a second chance with better weather conditions, I think we’ll all be excited to see him fight for a win at the Indy 500 and then another one in Charlotte.
“He’s one of the most talented racing drivers out there, and it’s a privilege to do this again with Mr. Hendrick and Jeff Gordon, who are both world-class. We can’t wait for May.”