Racecar driver Kyle Larson returns to Indianapolis for potential last Indy 500 event
Kyle Larson wraps up Day One of the Indy 500 Open Test, hinting at potential future Indy runs. The NASCAR champ, currently eyeing his second shot at the Indy 500, appeared uncertain about his participation in subsequent Indy races, citing the need for full focus and time commitment[1]. Despite hinting at future Indy aspirations, Larson's primary focus seems to be on this year's Memorial Day Double, aiming to compete in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600[5]. In case of winning the Indy 500, he jokes about retiring, suggesting a possible end to his racing career[1].
Day One of testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway wasn't all smooth sailing for Larson. Having to complete a Refresher Test, he was the last to pass the mandated program for rookies and non-regular drivers[3]. Nonetheless, he managed to finish the session and prepare for the full testing session against IndyCar veterans[3].
Larson ended the day just 11th fastest among 34 competitors, with a top speed of 223.430 mph[2]. Despite some initial adjustment and technical issues, Larson seemed satisfied with the session, mentioning he felt comfortable but a "little rusty"[3]. With two days of testing left, Larson aims to fine-tune his setup for a competitive Indy car when teams return for practice in May[3].
The team tested an additional entry for the 2025 Indianapolis 500, working through issues that affected Larson's refresher laps[4]. The NASCAR Cup Series star from Hendrick Motorsports made his Indy 500 debut last year but missed the start of the 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway due to a rain delay[5]. Larson managed to secure a waiver from NASCAR, allowing him to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs[5].
This year, Larson will attempt the Memorial Day Double once more, but the Coca-Cola 600 will take priority if the start is delayed by rain[4]. Team Penske's Josef Newgarden topped the speed chart, with Scott Dixon giving him a chase in the final hour[6].However, with a qualification simulation, a two-hour break, and a three-hour full-field session scheduled for the following day, the battle for speed continues[6].
[1] https://www.motorsport.com/indo-500/news/kyle-larson-indy-500-nascar-future/1455610/[2] https://www.motorsport.com/indo-500/results/day-one-2025-indy-500-open-test/1455603/[3] https://www.motorsport.com/indo-500/news/kyle-larson-indy-500-test-2023/1455609/[4] https://www.foxsports.com/nascar/indo-500/kyle-larson-back-at-indy-speedway-for-open-test-but-full-nascar-commitment-remains-focus[5] https://www.motorsport.com/archive/article/2596174/kyle-larson-targets-memorial-day-double-again-in-2024[6] https://www.motorsport.com/indo-500/news/newgarden-fastest-in-first-indy-500-open-test-session/1455605/
- Kyle Larson alluded to potential future appearances at the Indianapolis 500, despite his primary focus being on the 2025 event and the Memorial Day Double.
- In addition to testing for the upcoming Indy 500, the Arrow McLaren SP team, where Larson participated, also worked on an entry for the 2025 Indianapolis 500.
- Larson, having won the NASCAR Cup Series title and known for his racing skills in superspeedways, showed signs of rust during the IndyCar Open Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he participated as a rookie or non-regular driver.
- Although Kyle Larson has expressed interests in the Indycar Series, his final decision on participating in subsequent Indy 500 races might be influenced by the need for full focus and time commitment, as he observed during his initial Indy 500 run in 2023.
