Rick Hendrick is that Kyle Larson will compete within the Coca-Cola 600 subsequent season, even when which means leaving the Indianapolis 500 early.
Larson will once more try the Memorial Day Weekend double between the NTT IndyCar Collection and NASCAR. He ran the total Indianapolis 500 in Might with Arrow McLaren, however didn’t make it to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600 due to the climate. The identical storm cell that delayed the beginning in Indianapolis then moved to North Carolina and minimize NASCAR’s crown jewel occasion quick, denying Larson the possibility to get into his Cup automobile after scrambling to Charlotte from Indianapolis.
NASCAR granted Larason a waiver to stay championship-eligible, nevertheless it took over per week for that call to be introduced, and it was a hotly contested subject as as to if Larson deserved his exemption.
“We’re going to run the (Coca-Cola) 600,” Hendrick mentioned of 2025. “We will probably be right here for the 600. If which means having to chop the race quick in Indy, we’ll, as a result of my dedication to NASCAR is that we’re in NASCAR, and that’s the place we run for the championship.
“So if climate catches us, Tony [Kanaan] will get within the automobile.”
Kanaan can solely get within the automobile if he begins the race. IndyCar doesn’t enable for reduction drivers ought to Larson begin the occasion and want to go away.
Hendrick and Larson initially mentioned NASCAR and the Coca-Cola 600 can be their precedence forward of this 12 months’s race. Nonetheless, the thrill and preparation round Indianapolis, mixed with the late begin to the race after rain moved in, led to a change in plans. Larson certified fifth and completed 18th – incomes Rookie of the Yr honors – in his debut after a late-race dashing penalty.
When requested if Larson can be taken out of the automobile if he’s main late within the Indianapolis 500 and the time comes to move to Charlotte, Hendrick mentioned, “Sure.”
“We’ve made that dedication,” Hendrick reiterated. “We’re going to be right here in Charlotte.”
Stated Larson, “I believe this 12 months went the best way it did, and I couldn’t be in two locations at one time, though I might have beloved to. I believe I owe it to my NASCAR workforce, as properly, to get right here in time to attempt to win one of many largest races of the season, and a race that has probably the most implication to the season as properly. So proper now, I’m OK with it.”
