Kyle Larson Faces Setback in Indy 500 Testing for Racing’s Double

Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR champion and defending Brickyard 400 winner, faced a significant setback during his second attempt at the Indy 500. The incident happened during a testing session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where Larson’s car spun out and hit the wall.

This marked his first crash at the iconic Brickyard. Larson remains optimistic about his chances in the upcoming race.

Kyle Larson’s Testing Mishap

On April 24, 2025, during an open testing session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson’s No. 17 Chevrolet spun out coming out of the first turn. The car hit the wall, bounced down the track to the warmup lane, and tapped the wall again before stopping.

This incident ended his second day of testing more than six hours early. Larson took full responsibility for the crash, explaining that he forgot to hit the weight jacker in the corner, which resulted in understeer.

He was cleared and released from the infield hospital without any injuries.

Understanding the Weight Jacker Issue

The weight jacker is a crucial component in IndyCar racing, allowing drivers to adjust the car’s balance while driving. Larson admitted he forgot to hit the weight jacker in the corner, causing the car to understeer and hit the wall.

This mistake shows the importance of precision and focus in high-speed racing.

Larson’s Second Attempt at Racing’s Double

This year is Larson’s second attempt to complete the 1,100-mile marathon of racing at Indianapolis and Charlotte in a single day. Last year’s attempt was delayed by rain at Indy, which pushed back the start of the 500.

Despite some rookie mistakes, Larson qualified fifth and finished 18th, partly due to a pit lane speed penalty. This year, Larson is driving the Arrow McLaren car equipped with a hybrid system, making its Indy debut.

The added weight of the hybrid system has changed the car’s handling. Larson posted the 11th-fastest lap on Wednesday, clocking in at 223.430 mph.

Challenges with the Hybrid System

The hybrid system in Larson’s car adds complexity to his racing experience. The extra weight affects the car’s balance, making it feel different from last year’s model.

Larson acknowledged this difference but is determined to adapt and improve his performance.

Notable Incidents During Testing

Larson’s crash was not the only incident during testing. Two-time Indy winner Takuma Sato also crashed early in the session, losing the back end of his car in the first turn and hitting the wall hard in the short chute.

Graham Rahal lightly tapped the wall with his wheels late in the final minutes of Wednesday’s session. The most significant scare occurred when Rinus VeeKay’s car ran out of fuel in traffic, causing several drivers, including four-time 500 champ Helio Castroneves, to scramble to avoid a collision.

These incidents show the risks and challenges of high-speed racing.

Larson’s Future in IndyCar Racing

As Larson prepares for the upcoming Indy 500, fans are curious about his future in IndyCar. When asked about his 2026 plans, Larson said he only ever planned to compete in the Indy 500 for two years.

He emphasized that he intends to make the most of his current opportunity and enjoy the experience, despite the rocky start.

Looking Ahead to the Indy 500

Qualifying for the Indy 500 is set for May 17-18. Larson is focused on improving his performance and adapting to the new challenges from the hybrid system.

He remains optimistic about his chances and is determined to complete the unprecedented double of holding both the Indy and Brickyard titles at the same time.

*I don’t ever like to think about winning,* Larson said. *Obviously, it would be an amazing feat. Nobody else has done it, I don’t believe, so, yeah, it would be neat to stand on your own on something. But there’s a long way to go for that. I’ve got to get way better.*

Conclusion

Kyle Larson’s journey in IndyCar racing continues to captivate fans and racing enthusiasts.

Despite setbacks and challenges, Larson’s determination shines through.

As he prepares for the upcoming Indy 500, all eyes will be on him to see if he can achieve racing’s double.

For more details on Larson’s testing mishap and his preparations for the Indy 500, visit the full article on Fox Sports.