Kyle Larson, currently the NASCAR Cup Series points leader, has made his feelings clear about entering the 2025 Indianapolis 500 while holding this prestigious position. Larson, who races full-time in NASCAR for Hendrick Motorsports and part-time in IndyCar with Arrow McLaren, is attempting the challenging “Double Duty” for the second consecutive year-competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, May 25, 2025.
At the AdventHealth 400 race at Kansas Speedway on May 11, Larson started from pole position (his first pole of the season and 22nd in his career) and dominated the race, taking the checkered flag and seizing the championship lead in the NASCAR Cup Series. Reflecting on his position as the points leader entering the Indy 500, Larson expressed enthusiasm about the significance it holds for the sport. He stated, “I just think it’s really cool. I think it’s good for our team. I think it’s good for our sport. I think it’s good for racing that the Cup Series point leader is competing in the Indy 500 for the second year in a row.” He acknowledged that last year competing in the Indy 500 was a goal, but this year it was not something he had focused on until after his Kansas win. Larson believes his participation puts a spotlight on both NASCAR and IndyCar, enhancing the racing community overall.
Regarding his future plans for attempting the Double beyond 2025, Larson indicated that there are no current plans to do so in 2026, joking that they might revisit the idea in 15 years. His focus remains on making this year’s attempt successful, saying, “We’ll make it good this time”.
Larson’s 2025 Indy 500 campaign is supported by a special livery on his No. 17 Chevrolet, unveiled by Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports. The car prominently features HendrickCars.com branding as the primary sponsor, with new sponsorship from Amazon’s Prime Video. Prime Video is also producing a feature-length documentary chronicling Larson’s quest to complete the Double in 2024 and 2025, directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Cynthia Hill. This documentary aims to capture the grueling challenge of racing 1,100 miles in one day-the 500-mile Indy 500 followed by the 600-mile Coca-Cola 600.
Larson’s rookie Indy 500 performance in 2024 was impressive, earning him Rookie of the Year honors after qualifying fifth and finishing 18th despite a late pit road speeding penalty. However, weather delays prevented him from competing in the Coca-Cola 600 that day, as rain in both Indianapolis and Charlotte disrupted the schedule. For 2025, Larson and his teams have prepared extensively to overcome such logistical challenges, aiming to complete both races fully.
In addition to his IndyCar pursuits, Larson continues to dominate in NASCAR. His recent Kansas victory marked his third Cup Series win of the 2025 season in just 12 races, matching the most wins so far this year and surpassing the pace he set in his championship-winning 2021 season. Larson’s versatility is evident as he also competes in sprint car and Xfinity Series races, demonstrating resilience and focus even after accidents or missed opportunities.
In summary, Kyle Larson is entering the 2025 Indianapolis 500 as the NASCAR Cup Series points leader with a positive and determined mindset. He views his dual participation as beneficial for motorsports and is focused on successfully completing the demanding Double Duty this year while continuing to lead the NASCAR championship.
