People familiar with the American racing scene would likely tell you that Kyle Larson is the American version of Max Verstappen: a naturally speedy driver who can dominate behind the wheel of almost any car he drives.
Though Larson has spent much of his career focussing on the NASCAR ladder, he tried the “double” this year, racing open-wheel cars at the Indianapolis 500 and stock cars at the Coca-Cola 600. Weather hindered his intentions, but following a spectacular win at the Brickyard 400, Larson suggested that he would be back.
Kyle Larson: Return to Indianapolis in 2025?
In the United States, the Sunday before Memorial Day (or the final Sunday in May) is informally known as Motorsport Christmas. The day begins with the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, followed by the famous Indianapolis 500, and concludes with NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Competing in each of those races is a challenge in and of itself, but in 2024, Kyle Larson decided to try something new. He hoped to do the “double” — racing first at Indianapolis and later at Charlotte.
It’s an outrageous achievement that only a few of drivers have attempted, and Larson was considered the driver most likely to finish all 1,100 laps—and to Maybe even win one (or both) of the races.
Unfortunately, nationwide storms derailed his preparations. Rain caused a several-hour delay in the Indianapolis 500 race. Larson chose to stay at the track and compete the entire race distance despite the delay, then fly to Charlotte on a private plane to change seats with a driver and, at the absolute least, turn some laps in his stock car.
Unfortunately, rain had also fallen in the Charlotte region. The race was red-flagged right as Larson arrived at the circuit. When it became evident that the weather would not improve, NASCAR called the race before Larson could complete a single lap.
The aftermath of back-to-back racing days was fraught with controversy. NASCAR took several days to present Kyle Larson with the required waiver to make him eligible for the title this autumn. See, drivers must compete in every Cup Series event to be eligible for the title; if they skip a race for any reason, they must request permission to be included for the championship run.
Larson was granted the waiver, but it arrived slowly, raising various doubts about if it was a signal from NASCAR to avoid attempting the “double” again, as Larson had first pondered.
Larson’s triumph in the Brickyard 400, however, appeared to guarantee his return.
The Brickyard 400 is the name of NASCAR’s Cup Series race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, which returned this year after being held as a road course event in previous seasons.
The race proceeded into “overtime,” and Larson was in a good position to win courtesy to a later pit stop that allowed him to push for the lead as other front-runners dropped behind.
In the end, Larson reached the finish line first. He parked his No. 5 machine on the brick yard and got out to celebrate in front of the spectators, maybe as he had wanted to do during the Indy 500.
“It’s such a renowned site and such sacred ground,” Larson remarked about the track after getting out of his car.
“I love you, Indiana fans, and I know you love me back.
“How about we return next May and try to kiss the bricks in the Indy car?”Larson’s comments elicited a shout from the audience. When questioned if his comment was an official confirmation, the driver was a little cagey, indicating that he’s in negotiations to make a contract, but nothing is guaranteed.
Though the Brickyard 400 is not as prominent as the Indy 500 or the Coke 600, it has a particular position on the NASCAR schedule. The practice of ‘kissing the bricks’ originated during NASCAR’s inaugural oval race at IMS, in which the winner kneels before the yard of conserved bricks that laid the track almost a century earlier.
It must have also been a godsend for Larson, who was bound to be disappointed by his frustrations during May.
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