Kyle Larson will attempt to complete ‘The Double’ again in 2025, racing in the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
The American driver competed in the 108th Running of the Indy 500 for Arrow McLaren, finishing in 18th place, but couldn’t race in the Coca-Cola 600 as the IndyCar race was delayed due to rain.
Larson was very impressive during his outing at The Brickyard in the month of May, qualifying in the middle of the second row in fifth place.
The 32-year-old would likely have the potential to battle near the front of the field next year but if he has to scrap the Indy 500, Tony Kanaan may replace him.
Yet, despite his vast experience in the championship, the Brazilian would have to take a refresher test to become eligible.
Journalist Nathan Brown has also reported on his X account that Kanaan would take his refresher test before the race in October or April.
Tony Kanaan won’t be able to replace Kyle Larson in the middle of the Indy 500
If Larson started the Indy 500 and couldn’t complete the race, Kanaan also wouldn’t be able to replace him midway through the event.
Completing in both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 has been achieved before with John Andretti the first driver to attempt it in 1994.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Kyle Larson from NASCAR career stats to net worth
He failed to race all 1,100 miles after retiring 220 laps into the NASCAR race. Tony Stewart became the first to complete both races in 1999 before repeating the feat two years later, finishing sixth and third.
Larson should be a contender in both races, but Brown outlined how the process would work regarding Kanaan potentially stepping in ahead of the Indy 500.
He said: “Tony Kanaan says he will in fact undergo a refresher test, either this October or during the April Open Test. Per the current rules, that would make him eligible to run if Larson has to scrap the 500 altogether ahead of time, but he wouldn’t be allowed to hop in mid-race.
“Kanaan will do his refresher program before May & he’ll be eligible to start if Larson can’t. But once Larson does, only he can finish the race.”
Kyle Larson has raced different cars during his career and been competitive
Larson’s debut at the Indy 500 was very impressive, he had blistering speed in qualifying to break into the Firestone Fast 6.
He has also won the NASCAR Cup Series in 2021 for Hendrick Motorsports as well as racing in the Rolex 24 in 2016.
The 32-year-old has also recently spoken of his adaptability and doubted three-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen’s ability to win in NASCAR.
The driving technique required to race in NASCAR is very different to other championships such as F1, as the tracks and cars are so different.