After his victory in the NASCAR Cup Series at Kansas Speedway, Kyle Larson announced that he would focus on the next edition of the Indianapolis 500, seeking immortality in motorsports. However, time was of the essence, as training at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was scheduled for Tuesday.
Despite his triumph and the trip to Indianapolis on Sunday night, Larson didn’t stop. His plan included participating in a sprint car race in Kokomo, Indiana, on Monday night, before focusing on the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing”.
He just keeps going and going.
Chad Knaus, Vice President of Competition at Hendrick Motorsports
Larson’s passion for racing is evident. His priority is the Cup Series and winning a second championship, but he takes every opportunity to compete in other categories such as the Xfinity Series or Truck Series, and even on local dirt tracks.
The Friday before the race in Kansas, Larson participated in a sprint car race at Lakeside Speedway, where his car suffered damage. However, he downplayed the incident, considering it part of racing, and was back on the track the next morning.
What has always impressed me about Kyle since he arrived at Hendrick Motorsports is that he doesn’t flinch. Nothing affects him. He doesn’t get angry, he doesn’t get excited about what happens on the track. He just takes it in.
Chad Knaus
In last year’s Indianapolis 500, Larson attempted “the Double”, running both the 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte on the same day, something only Tony Stewart achieved in 1999. Although he overcame several challenges on the track, rain prevented him from competing in the Charlotte race.
Despite the wait and uncertainty, Larson completed all laps in the Indianapolis 500 and was named Rookie of the Year. However, the delay prevented him from participating in the Coca-Cola 600, missing the opportunity to compete in Charlotte.
The weather forecast for this year’s Indianapolis 500 is more favorable, and Larson comes in with great momentum. His victory at Kansas Speedway, where he led 221 of 267 laps, was his third Cup Series win of the season, putting him in first place in the standings.
In addition, he has won two of his three Xfinity races, one of his two Truck races, and has achieved one victory and three top-five finishes in five sprint car races in the High Limit series.
Larson, however, maintains a calm perspective. “I don’t let a race affect the next day of my life,” he explained on Sunday night. “I’d rather win before these next few weeks than have a DNF or something like that. But I really don’t think it matters.”
The next few weeks will be crucial, as Larson hopes to repeat “the Double”.
Yes, it’s going to be two fun weeks. I’m really looking forward to working with the team, Arrow McLaren, and learning more about the car, trying to fine-tune our balance, and just trying to have a couple of quiet weeks like we had last year, and execute like you would in any race and try to be in the fight at the end.
Kyle Larson
