Kyle Larson Explains Decision to Skip Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600
Kyle Larson, a big name in racing, has decided to step back from chasing *the double*—that wild challenge of competing in both the Indy 500 and the NASCAR Cup Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
After trying for the last two years, Larson says the logistics just got too overwhelming. He crashed in both races on May 25, but he insists the crashes didn’t really sway his decision.
Larson, now 32, mentioned he might give the Indy 500 another go once he’s done with NASCAR. He talked about the whole ordeal during a press conference at Nashville Superspeedway before Cracker Barrel 400 qualifying.
If you want the full story, here’s the link to the [Tennessean website](https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nascar/2025/05/31/kyle-larson-wont-run-double-indy-500-nascar-charlotte-race/83967549007/).
The Challenges of *The Double*
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Trying to run both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day is just brutal. The tracks are almost 600 miles apart, which makes things way more complicated than most people realize.
Larson pointed out that even tiny delays—like a crash or some weird mechanical thing—could wreck the whole plan. *Because everything has just got to go perfect,* he said. He’s not wrong; it sounds exhausting.
Logistical Nightmares
Larson explained that the race times leave no breathing room. *The Indy 500 starts plenty early and I think the 600 can’t start any later,* he said.
That kind of schedule doesn’t let you mess up or even pause for a second. Larson admitted there’s really not much you can do to make the double any easier. The logistics just win out in the end.
Kevin Harvick’s Perspective
Kevin Harvick, a former NASCAR Cup Series champ, shared his thoughts on his podcast, *Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour*. Harvick suggested Larson might’ve won the Coca-Cola 600 if he hadn’t also gone for the Indy 500.
Larson didn’t agree. He pushed back, saying his mindset wasn’t thrown off by the Indy 500 crash. *It’s easy for the public or whoever to say, ‘Mentally he wasn’t there,’* Larson said, but he felt ready for the NASCAR Cup race.
Mental Preparedness
Larson emphasized he felt good, both mentally and physically, even after the Indy 500 crash. *The plan flight went really well. We were cracking normal conversation and I’d forgotten (about the wreck) by the time I got in the Cup car,* he said.
He blamed his Cup race crash on a mistake he made in that car, not on anything leftover from earlier. It happens, right?
Future Plans
Larson’s not planning to chase *the double* again, at least not anytime soon. But he hasn’t completely shut the door on the Indy 500—maybe after he hangs up his NASCAR helmet.
For now, he’s focusing on NASCAR without the stress of juggling two huge races in one day. Makes sense, honestly.
Looking Ahead
Larson’s decision to step back from *the double* is a big one. The challenges are no joke, honestly.
But this move opens up new chances for him to zero in on other parts of his racing career. He’ll keep competing in NASCAR, and fans can still catch him in action—just without the wild stress of juggling two races in a single day.
Want more details about Kyle Larson’s decision or the hurdles of attempting *the double*? Check out the full article on the [Tennessean website](https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nascar/2025/05/31/kyle-larson-wont-run-double-indy-500-nascar-charlotte-race/83967549007/).
