KANSAS CITY, Kan. — After clinching his third NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season at Kansas Speedway, Kyle Larson was eager to shift his focus toward preparing for the Indianapolis 500, marking his second attempt at achieving this racing milestone. Despite all this excitement, his next practice session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway wasn’t scheduled until Tuesday. However, Larson found time for more racing before shifting his attention entirely to the Indy 500.
On Sunday night, while basking in his latest victory, Larson was en route to Indianapolis, but true to his racing spirit, he had another race in mind before concentrating solely on the Indy 500. To fulfill his craving for speed, Larson planned to head to Kokomo, Indiana, on Monday night for a sprint car race, with anticipation building for the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Chad Knaus, vice president of competition at Hendrick Motorsports, marveled at Larson’s indefatigable nature. Larsson’s adaptability has made him a staple at Hendrick Motorsports, as they are collaborating with Arrow McLaren to prepare his car for the upcoming Indy 500. According to Knaus, Larson’s passion for racing supersedes the allure of television or other activities.
While Larson remains committed to the Cup Series, always aiming for another championship, open dates on his calendar allow him to dabble in other racing series. He frequently participates in Xfinity Series races, Truck Series races, and local dirt track events. Just before his Kansas win, he competed in a sprint car race at Lakeside Speedway, nearby the main Cup Series event location. A frightening crash almost had another vehicle crash onto him, but Larson brushed it off, showcasing his resilience and eagerness to return to the track the following day.
Knaus highlighted Larson’s steady demeanor and unflappable nature. Larson doesn’t let race incidents flare his emotions or weigh him down. He stays focused, ready for the next challenge. However, last year’s Indy 500 tested his patience, especially when he attempted “the Double,” trying to complete both the 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in one day. Despite previous drivers’ attempts, only Tony Stewart has successfully completed this grueling feat.
Though Larson faced many challenges during the races, including a setback from a speeding penalty that thwarted his chance of winning the 500, uncontrollable factors like weather stirred problems he couldn’t mitigate. Inclement weather delayed the races, forcing Larson to decide between completing the 500 or meeting his commitments at the following Cup Series race. Ultimately, he finished the Indy 500 and earned the rookie of the year honor, but weather delays meant he couldn’t compete in Charlotte’s Coca-Cola 600.
This year’s forecast for the Indy 500 looks promising, offering Larson a chance to shine once more. Recently, he has been thriving in his various racing endeavors, marking an event-filled month on his calendar. Leading most laps at Kansas, his latest Cup Series victory brought him to the top of the points standings. Furthermore, he has achieved victories in the Xfinity Series, Truck Series, and sprint car races in the High Limit series.
Nevertheless, success or setbacks don’t dictate Larson’s life. The influence of a particular race doesn’t affect his future race performances or personal mindset. “I’d rather win leading into these weeks than have a DNF,” Larson mentioned Sunday night, focusing on the journey rather than individual race outcomes.
However, the upcoming weeks signify a vital period for Larson, as he eagerly gears up for another shot at “the Double.” Anticipation fills these days as Larson partners with Arrow McLaren, honing the car’s performance and ensuring smooth race preparations similar to last year. For him, meticulous execution could lead him to contention at the race finish, finally fulfilling his dream.