Kyle Larson Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports Partner for Historic 2025 Indy 500 Attempt
Kyle Larson is set to make another thrilling attempt at “The Double” in 2025. He’s partnering once again with Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports for the Indianapolis 500.
This collaboration between NASCAR’s powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports and the prestigious Arrow McLaren racing team represents one of the most exciting crossovers in modern motorsport. It gives Larson another shot at joining the elite club of drivers who have competed in both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
Following his first attempt, Larson will return in the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet. This brings together two racing dynasties in a partnership that continues to blur the lines between America’s premier racing series.
The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion’s return to Indianapolis carries the weight of expectation that connects him to racing legends like Jeff Gordon. While competitors like Justin Allgaier, Tyler Reddick, and Noah Gragson focus on their specialized disciplines, Larson continues to demonstrate versatility that racing purists compare to multi-discipline talents like Bryan Clauson.
This collaboration brings together the engineering excellence and championship pedigree of two organizations that have defined excellence in their respective racing worlds.
Background Information
Kyle Larson’s quest to conquer “The Double” represents one of motorsport’s greatest challenges. It brings together two racing powerhouses in a unique partnership that crosses the traditional boundaries between NASCAR and IndyCar.
History of the Indy 500
The Indianapolis 500 stands as America’s most prestigious racing event, dating back to 1911 when Ray Harroun won the inaugural race. Run at the iconic 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the race has become known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Only four drivers have successfully completed “The Double” – racing in both the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. These drivers are John Andretti, Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon, and Kurt Busch.
The Indy 500 remains distinct from NASCAR with its open-wheel format, different cars, and racing style. Winning requires exceptional skill, strategy, and teamwork – precisely why Larson’s attempt has generated so much interest across racing disciplines.
Kyle Larson’s Background and Career
Larson, a 31-year-old from Elk Grove, California, has established himself as one of racing’s most versatile talents. His adaptability makes him perfectly suited for “The Double” attempt.
In NASCAR, Larson drives the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, where he captured the 2021 Cup Series championship. But his skills extend far beyond stock cars – he’s also a dominant force in sprint car racing, winning the prestigious Knoxville Nationals and Chili Bowl Nationals.
Larson’s racing style draws comparisons to legends like A.J. Foyt and Parnelli Jones, who successfully raced across multiple disciplines. His natural talent and adaptability to different racing formats make his Indy 500 attempt particularly intriguing.
Team Dynamics: Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports
The partnership between Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports represents a unique cross-pollination between racing’s biggest series. It brings together Rick Hendrick, NASCAR’s winningest team owner, with McLaren Racing, led by CEO Zak Brown.
The planning for Larson’s double attempt required extensive coordination. For example, Arrow McLaren representatives visited the Hendrick Motorsports campus in March 2023 to begin the logistical groundwork for this massive undertaking.
Larson will drive the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Arrow McLaren Chevrolet in the 2025 Indianapolis 500, marking his second attempt at “The Double.” This collaboration showcases how modern motorsports teams are increasingly willing to cross traditional boundaries to create exciting opportunities for exceptional drivers.
Specific Points
Kyle Larson’s journey in the Indianapolis 500 with Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports represents one of the most ambitious crossover efforts in modern motorsport. His 2024 debut laid groundwork for future attempts, while plans for 2025 showcase the continued commitment from both racing powerhouses.
Larson’s 2024 Indy 500 Debut and Performance
Kyle Larson made his highly anticipated Indianapolis 500 debut with McLaren Racing in 2024, piloting the No. 17 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion qualified respectably for the iconic race but faced challenges on race day.
A speeding penalty during a crucial pit stop derailed his early momentum, forcing him to work through the field. The day was further complicated by weather issues, with a rain delay interrupting the flow of the race.
Despite these setbacks, Larson demonstrated impressive adaptability. He steadily improved his lap times throughout the event, showcasing the raw talent that has made him one of motorsport’s most versatile drivers.
By the time the checkered flag waved, Larson had gained valuable experience at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Though he didn’t contend for Rookie of the Year honors as many had predicted, his performance laid a solid foundation for future attempts.
Preparation for the 2025 Indy 500
Larson will return to the Indianapolis 500 in 2025, benefiting from his rookie experience. The partnership between Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports was always structured as a two-year deal, allowing for development and improvement.
For 2025, his preparation regimen will likely include:
- More simulator time with McLaren’s advanced facilities
- Additional testing sessions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Refined pit stop procedures to avoid penalties
- Improved communication systems between his NASCAR and IndyCar teams
“I learned so much in 2024 that will make me stronger for next May,” Larson noted after confirming his 2025 plans. The Arrow McLaren engineering team has already begun analyzing data from his 2024 run.
The green flag for the 2025 Indy 500 drops on May 25, one day earlier than the 2024 event. This gives Larson’s teams additional planning time for the logistics between Indianapolis and Charlotte.
The Significance of ‘The Double’
“The Double” represents one of motorsport’s most grueling challenges – competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. This feat requires racing 1,100 miles across two different states in distinctly different race cars.
Only a handful of drivers have attempted this remarkable challenge:
- John Andretti (1994): First to complete both races
- Tony Stewart (1999, 2001): Only driver to complete all 1,100 miles
- Robby Gordon (1997, 2000, 2002-2004)
- Kurt Busch (2014)
Larson’s attempt adds to this elite list. The logistics are mind-boggling, requiring precise coordination between teams at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway, plus helicopter and jet transportation.
The physical demands are equally intense. Cockpit temperatures can exceed 120°F, and drivers face extreme G-forces for approximately 6-7 hours of combined racing. Dehydration and fatigue become significant factors in the late stages of the Coca-Cola 600.
Media and Fan Reactions to Larson’s IndyCar Journey
Larson’s crossover attempt generated substantial buzz throughout the racing world. Mainstream sports media outlets covered his preparation extensively, bringing attention to both NASCAR and IndyCar series.
Social media engagement spiked dramatically when Hendrick Motorsports announced Larson’s return for 2025. Racing purists praised the commitment to motorsport tradition, while casual fans were drawn to the compelling story of a champion testing his limits.
Fellow drivers offered mixed perspectives:
- IndyCar veterans welcomed him while noting the steep learning curve
- NASCAR colleagues expressed both support and concern about energy levels for the championship run
Fan reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Merchandise sales featuring Larson’s Indy 500 livery exceeded expectations. TV ratings for qualifying sessions featuring Larson showed notable increases compared to previous years.
Future Outlook for Larson in IndyCar
While currently committed to NASCAR long-term, Larson’s IndyCar experience opens intriguing possibilities.
His successful adaptation to Indianapolis in both series demonstrates remarkable versatility.
Industry insiders speculate about several future scenarios:
- Annual Indy 500 appearances becoming a tradition
- Expanded IndyCar schedule beyond just Indianapolis
- Potential full-season switch later in his career
- Development of a specialized racing program across multiple disciplines
The Arrow McLaren-Hendrick partnership could evolve beyond just Larson, potentially opening doors for other crossover opportunities between the organizations.
The technical feedback Larson provides benefits both programs. Engineering insights flow between the teams, thanks to Larson’s feedback. His unique perspective as a driver competing in dramatically different racing disciplines provides valuable development data.
For now, Larson remains focused on mastering “The Double” while continuing his NASCAR championship pursuits, but his IndyCar journey appears far from complete.
