Kyle Larson, who won the NASCAR Cup championship in 2021, is trying to do something amazing: race in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. It’s a big challenge, but he’s off to a great start. Last Sunday, he did really well in the qualifying round for the Indy 500, securing the fifth starting position.
After that, Larson rushed to North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina for the NASCAR All-Star Race. He made it there in time and even had a shot at winning before ending up in fourth place.
Now comes the tricky part. Larson needs to race in both big events on Sunday, but the weather might get in the way. The forecast for Indianapolis doesn’t look good, with an 80 percent chance of rain. But the Charlotte race doesn’t have this problem.
There’s a chance Larson might have to race on different days because of the weather. He’s not sure if that would feel the same as doing both races in one day. Larson said, “It’s ‘the double’ right? and is it truly ‘the double’ if it’s not on the same day? I don’t know.” He would prefer to do it all on the same day but would still be happy if he completes both races, even if it’s on different days.
Tony Stewart is the only driver who has completed both races on the same day. In 2001, he finished sixth in the rain-delayed Indy 500 and then ran third in the Coke 600 after starting from the back of the field. Larson hopes to match or even surpass Stewart’s achievement.
As Sunday approaches, Larson is unsure what will happen. He said, “I mean, I think you could look at the forecast and get worried now.” He’s leaving the decision up to the last minute and hoping for good weather so he can race in both events.
