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IndyCar: Kyle Larson returns to Indianapolis after Knoxville Nationals win

Posted : 14 August 2023
Kyle Larson made a whirlwind return to Indianapolis around 4 a.m. on Sunday, fresh off his triumph at the prestigious Knoxville Nationals in Iowa the previous night—a race that's considered the pinnacle of sprint car racing in the United States.
 
Just seven hours later, Larson stood at a podium in Pagoda Plaza at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, engaged in conversation with IMS President J. Douglas Boles.
 
"I managed to get a few hours of sleep," Larson mentioned. "I was probably a bit too pumped up to fall asleep easily, and I woke up well before my alarm. I'm feeling great, feeling energized. I guess my body's adapted to functioning with minimal sleep, which might be useful for next year's double."
 
The "double" Larson referred to involves his ambitious plan for the "Hendrick 1100." This endeavor entails him racing in both the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge at IMS and the Coca-Cola 600 Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26, back-to-back. The event showcased the vibrant liveries of his Chevrolet-powered machines—the No. 17 Hendrickcars.com Arrow McLaren NTT INDYCAR SERIES car and the No. 5 Hendrickcars.com NASCAR Cup Series car. These liveries were unveiled during a sunlit event at Pagoda Plaza on Sunday morning.
 
While Larson's main series is the Cup Series with Hendrick Motorsports, a team with an impressive 10 Brickyard 400 wins at IMS, he's also partnering with Arrow McLaren, a formidable team in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, for the Indianapolis 500.
 
At 31 years old and the reigning 2021 Cup Series champion, Larson aims to etch his name among the elite few who have conquered the Memorial Day weekend Sunday "double." This distinguished group includes John Andretti, Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon, and Kurt Busch. The challenging feat of racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 has been aptly dubbed "the Mount Everest of motorsports" by Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter.
 
The last successful double attempt was made by Kurt Busch in 2014. Among them, Stewart's 2001 double stands out, as he secured a commendable sixth place at Indianapolis and an impressive third place at Charlotte.
 
Looking ahead to his own double attempt, Larson expressed his excitement, stating, "I'm really thrilled to take it on. It's been on my mind for quite a while, but I wanted to ensure the timing was right. Thanks to Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon, and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports for collaborating with Arrow McLaren to make this happen. Arrow McLaren is one of the top INDYCAR teams. They performed exceptionally well at the Speedway this year, and I'm hopeful they'll be just as strong, if not stronger, next year. Hopefully, we can go for the pole and maybe even secure a victory."
 
Legendary team owner Rick Hendrick's involvement in the Indianapolis 500, a first for his team, is a monumental addition to the Hendrick 1100 initiative. Hendrick expressed his enthusiasm, noting, "Participating in the Indy 500 is a dream come true. Kyle's talent is remarkable. We're excited. This is a thrilling moment for both NASCAR and INDYCAR."
 
The logistical challenges of participating in both races are being meticulously managed, ensuring prompt transportation from IMS to Charlotte in time for the Coca-Cola 600's late afternoon start. Larson, who often competes in short-track events during Cup weekends, is accustomed to swiftly switching between different types of racecars and managing tight schedules.
 
With a smile, Charlotte Motor Speedway GM Greg Walter offered a playful piece of advice for Larson's participation in the Coca-Cola 600: "Kyle, make sure you're not late."

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