Arrow McLaren announced on Tuesday afternoon that Kyle Larson will be returning to open wheel racing next year to make a second attempt at the Indianapolis 500 in a joint effort with Hendrick Motorsports.
Larson is one of NASCAR’s biggest stars, having won 27 races and one championship in the stock car series over the past 11 years.
He dipped his toes into the open wheel scene this past year by competing in the Indy 500, and also competing in NASCAR’s Coca Cola 600 in Charlotte on the same day.
Adverse weather in both locations delayed his travel between the cities and meant that he did not actually complete any laps in the stock car race.
Larson will get a second chance to run both prestigious races in 2025, with Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports again teaming up to make the attempt possible.
A difference in approach for next year’s attempt is that Rick Hendrick has stated the 600-mile NASCAR race will take priority due to championship implications, meaning Larson may have to bow out of the Indy 500 early in order to make the start of the Coca Cola 600 if weather again delays the earlier race.
“I really enjoyed the month of May in Indy and racing with Arrow McLaren, but I was really disappointed with missing the Coca-Cola 600 with the No. 5 HendrickCars.com team,” said Larson.
“I appreciate the second opportunity because we have unfinished business. I really want to complete all 1100 miles, and I think we have the opportunity to battle for the win in both events.”
Larson ran many of the Indy 500 practice sessions leading up to 2024’s event and made it to the final round of qualifying to earn a fifth place starting position.
He ran near the front of the field for the first half of the race, leading four laps in the process, before a pit road speeding penalty dropped him back to 18th by the end of the event.
By time Larson made his way to Charlotte, rain had moved in and cancelled the remainder of the stock car event, which was disappointing for fans that were watching the rare “Double” attempt closely.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown referred to the situation as “unfinished business,” and hopes to improve on the results the joint effort produced this past May.
“Kyle showed us all what he was capable of this past May, and given a second chance with better weather conditions, I think we’ll all be excited to see him fight for a win at the Indy 500 and then another one in Charlotte,” said Brown.
“He’s one of the most talented racing drivers out there, and it’s a privilege to do this again with Mr. Hendrick and Jeff Gordon, who are both world-class. We can’t wait for May.”
Both races take place on May 25, 2025, and there will be a lot of planning between now and then to help ensure strong performances at both races.
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