Kyle Larson Chases Historic Indy 500-NASCAR Double, Unseen Since 2001

Kyle Larson is gearing up for a monumental challenge: racing the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 in a single day, a feat not fully accomplished since Tony Stewart’s legendary run in 2001. The Indy 500 kicks off at 12:45 p.m. ET at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with the Coca-Cola 600 starting five hours later in Charlotte, North Carolina. A brisk 90-minute flight separates the two, but Larson’s ready to tackle the logistics and the grueling 1,100 miles of racing.

"I love to race," Larson told WTFNewsRoom. "Challenging myself with the biggest races in the world, all in one day, is pretty cool." At 32, in the prime of his career, Larson sees this as the perfect moment to test his limits. Last year’s attempt was derailed by rain, but he’s optimistic about clear skies and a chance to shine in both races.

Only five drivers have dared to attempt this double, with Stewart being the only one to complete all 1,100 miles, finishing sixth at Indy and third in Charlotte. Larson’s goal is simple yet daunting: "Finish all the laps." But he’s also eyeing Stewart’s benchmark, hoping to outdo it. Winning either race would be a triumph, though Larson admits, "I’ve won the 600 before, so I’d take the Indy 500."

The Indy 500’s raw power, lack of power-steering, and physical demands excite Larson, who’s eager to compete against open-wheel veterans on their turf. In NASCAR, he’s a weekly contender, but Indy’s a different beast. "The fastest car or best driver doesn’t always win," he said. "It’s about executing the details perfectly." If Larson can nail the strategy and avoid mistakes, he might just etch his name in motorsport history.