Kyle Larson will again attempt the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on May 25th, 2025. In a press conference at the Charlotte Motor Speedway; Zak Brown, Jeff Gordon, Rick Hendrick, Tony Kanaan, and of course, Kyle Larson made the announcement. Zak Brown said that this partnership has ‘unfinished business’.
Larson agreed and said he looks forward to just completing the 1,100 miles of competition on Memorial Day weekend. Rick Hendrick said ‘It couldn’t be a better marriage’ speaking on the joint partnerships between the two titans of motorsport. Brown called the partnership seamless, thanking Chevrolet for their part in assisting their efforts.
Again, Hendrick and Larson are confirmed to be back in Charlotte to start the 600, with Tony Kanaan confirmed to be the backup driver in 2025. Larson and Kanaan will have to participate in a test, since they will not run an oval before the 2025 Indy 500.
Zak Brown commented on the crossover between NASCAR and IndyCar, speaking to how this used to be a common occurrence and now it appeals to fans of ‘racers’. Hendrick spoke about the Brickyard 400 win, seeing so many fans wearing the H1100 gear, and finishing the job for them. He called it ‘disappointing’ and said ‘We got the taste of Indy, now we want to finish the job’.
Kyle Larson’s 2024 Double and Season:
Larson shocked the world at Indianapolis in May. Qualifying fifth for his first 500. Larson would’ve had a better finish if he did not lock up the tires on pit entry, receiving a penalty. He finished the race 18th and took home the Indy 500 Rookie of the Year.
Weather in Charlotte would keep Larson out of the car. The race would be called for rain, another controversy in itself.
But redemption would come at Indy. Driving the McLaren papaya and Hendrick blue Chevrolet at the Brickyard for the first time on the oval since 2020. He would win the race in double overtime, getting a small amount of redemption and making history in Hendrick’s 40th season.
Larson would ultimately lose the regular season championship by one point. Again the question was asked of the priority of Larson, the 600 or the 500. Both Hendrick and Larson confirmed Larson will be in Charlotte to start the 600. If he needs to get on a plane and head to Charlotte, Kanaan will finish the race.
