Larson is facing a big challenge as he tries to tackle “The Double,” competing in both NASCAR and IndyCar races. The week leading up to these races is especially tricky.
On Fast Friday, Larson won’t be practicing for the Indy 500, a big event in the IndyCar series. Instead, he’ll focus on the All-Star Race practice and qualifying, which are happening on the same day. Due to this clash in schedules, Larson decided to skip Friday’s practice sessions at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
Taking Larson’s place in the car for these sessions will be Kevin Harvick, a former NASCAR Cup Series champion and current FOX Sports commentator. Larson made this announcement on FS1 just before Sunday’s race at Dover.
Harvick shared, “When Rick [Hendrick] called a couple of days ago and said ‘hey I need a favor’ … I know when the conversation starts like that, usually you have to say yes. I appreciate you guys [Larson and HMS] calling and it’s going to be fun.”
Larson explained his decision, saying, “I don’t think I’ll be able to get there for the heat race, so they’ll have all day on Saturday to change everything back to me. That factored into it a lot. But we’re all excited. I think everybody at Hendrick Motorsports thinks this is going to be good for us. All the teammates get to see how you [Harvick] communicate stuff because as far as I know, I don’t think any of us have ever worked with you before.”
On Saturday, Larson will have to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, driving the No. 17 McLaren-Hendrick entry. Unlike NASCAR, there are no guaranteed spots in the Indy 500, so someone might not make it into the race.
Larson might also miss the heat races on Saturday as they clash with the Indy 500 qualifying. However, he assures he’ll be back in North Carolina for Sunday’s race.
Harvick won’t be able to race in the All-Star Race itself because it’s too close to the Fast 6 qualifying for the Indy 500. Larson had previously mentioned that he might skip this part of the Indy 500 qualifying if he advanced that far.
Larson won the All-Star Race last year in a dominant performance at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
