Drivers Who Conquered the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 in One Day

In the world of motorsports, few challenges are as daunting—or as legendary—as the “Double Duty.” This grueling feat means racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. That’s 1,100 miles of high-speed chaos.

Only a handful of drivers have even dared to try. Their stories are wild, exhausting, and, honestly, kind of awe-inspiring. Let’s dive into five drivers who took on the Double Duty challenge and left their own mark on racing history.

The Origins of Double Duty: John Andretti’s Groundbreaking Attempt

John Andretti kicked things off in 1994, blazing the trail for everyone who followed. He ran the Indianapolis 500 with A.J. Foyt Enterprises and finished 10th, at one point running as high as 3rd.

After Indy, Andretti jumped on a plane and hustled to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600. He missed the drivers’ meeting, had to start at the back, and then his car’s crankshaft broke after 220 laps—36th place. Still, Andretti’s attempt opened the door for future daredevils.

Tony Stewart: The King of Double Duty

Tony Stewart’s name pops up immediately when you talk Double Duty. In 1999, he made his first attempt, finishing 9th at the Indy 500 and 4th at the Coca-Cola 600.

But 2001? That’s the year Stewart did what nobody else has—he finished all 1,100 miles in a single day. He took 6th at Indy and 3rd in Charlotte. That’s just nuts.

Stewart’s 1999 Attempt

In 1999, Stewart showed his chops by finishing 9th at Indy, even though he fell a few laps short. That night, he grabbed 4th at the Coca-Cola 600.

He handled two totally different cars and tracks in one day, and made it look almost easy.

Stewart’s Historic 2001 Performance

Stewart’s 2001 effort? Unreal. He completed every mile—1,100 in total—finishing 6th at Indy and 3rd in Charlotte.

People in racing still talk about that day. It’s the gold standard for Double Duty.

Robby Gordon: The Persistent Challenger

Robby Gordon just wouldn’t give up on Double Duty. He tried it five times between 1997 and 2004, more than anyone else.

His best shot came in 2002. He finished 8th at the Indy 500, even after a pit fire, and then took 16th at the Coca-Cola 600. Gordon never did finish all 1,100 miles, but man, he kept swinging.

Gordon’s 2002 Attempt

Gordon’s 2002 run was his high point. He fought through a pit fire and still managed 8th at Indy.

In Charlotte, he finished a lap down in 16th. You’ve got to respect the grit it takes to keep coming back for more.

Kurt Busch: A Strong Debut

Kurt Busch jumped into Double Duty in 2014 and put on a solid show. At the Indianapolis 500, he ran a clean race and took 6th, grabbing Rookie of the Year honors.

Things didn’t go as well at the Coca-Cola 600. His engine blew after 271 laps, and he finished 40th. Still, Busch’s debut proved he belonged on the big stage.

Busch’s 2014 Performance

Busch’s 2014 Double Duty attempt turned heads, especially with that 6th place at Indy and the Rookie of the Year award.

Mechanical issues ended his night early in Charlotte, but for a first-timer, he made a real statement.

Kyle Larson: A Tale of Misfortune

Kyle Larson’s Double Duty runs in 2024 and 2025? Pretty rough, honestly. In 2024, the Indianapolis 500 got delayed so long he couldn’t make it to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600, which ended up shortened anyway.

Then, in 2025, things didn’t get better. He started 21st at Indy but spun out and crashed on Lap 91. In Charlotte, he started 2nd, led some laps, but crashed out on Lap 246 and ended up 37th. Larson’s experience really shows how unpredictable this whole Double Duty thing can be.

Larson’s 2024 Attempt

Larson’s 2024 try was just a mess, start to finish. The Indy 500 ran so late he never even made it to Charlotte for the 600, which got cut short anyway.

It’s a perfect example of how much can go sideways when you try to race both events in one day.

Larson’s 2025 Attempt

In 2025, Larson tried Double Duty again, but luck just wasn’t on his side. He started 21st at Indy, spun out on Lap 91, and that was it—race over.

In Charlotte, he rolled off 2nd and actually led for a while. But then, on Lap 246, a crash sent him packing, finishing the night in 37th place.

Still, you have to admit, Larson’s drive to tackle both races says a lot about his grit.

The Double Duty challenge is just brutal—physically, mentally, you name it. Guys like John Andretti, Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon, Kurt Busch, and Kyle Larson have all battled through both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in a single day.

It’s wild to think about the endurance that takes. These drivers have carved out a spot in racing history, and honestly, their stories might just push the next generation to give it a shot too. For deeper dives into their attempts and more racing news, check out Sportsnaut.