Kyle Larson’s Savior, Zak Brown Under Fire for His IndyCar “Problem”; Eminent Journalist Comes to His Defence

Formula 1 and IndyCar are undoubtedly two very different kinds of racing series. However, as McLaren Racing’s CEO, Zak Brown is involved in both. We all often have spotted Brown on the F1 pitwall for one of the most successful teams in the sport. But now, as it turns out, the American businessman is planning to expand his presence in IndyCar and make Arrow McLaren a lot more successful by trying out some aggressive F1 tactics.

For this, as per NBC Sports, Brown, in January, said that he hoped to have Kyle Larson test a Dallara-Chevrolet this year and also attend an IndyCar race to get a feel for the Arrow McLaren workflow. And not to forget the 2024 Indy 500, which will feature the driver himself on the grid, after four years of waiting. 

With all of this, Brown aims to build an IndyCar powerhouse. But these decisions have garnered mixed responses from the racing community.

It all began when Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern tweeted that Brown’s recent plans do not sit well with Gregg Doyel, sports columnist for IndyStar Sports. However, a prominent journalist came to Brown’s defense.

What Is the Controversy Behind Zak Brown’s Decisions?

The Arrow McLaren team has experienced significant growth in recent years, thanks to a series of well-informed decisions aimed at expanding their presence. Recently, Zak Brown implemented F1 tactics to build an IndyCar powerhouse, further enhancing the team’s prospects. However, this move drew criticism.

As highlighted by Adam Stern, Gregg Doyel said, “IndyCar is not Formula 1. You know this. I know this. Zak Brown does not appear to know this, and that’s becoming a problem.”

Seeing the bold statement, AP Sports Journalist Jenna Fryer came to Zak Brown’s defense. She, on the other hand, praised Brown’s actions with a tweet that read, “No. No. No.

This team missed the race in 2019 with Fernando Alonso. Four years later, it was the most represented brand at the #Indy500 and everywhere you looked was a sea of papaya.

Sorry, @ArrowMcLaren is doing something right.”

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Kyle Larson Seems to Be Excited About His Arrow McLaren Debut in 2024

Kyle Larson has had a remarkable career in NASCAR, where he has achieved immense success. However, as we all know, his resume is not limited to the Cup series. Larson is one of the drivers who is known for their participation in multiple series, at times in the same week. Everyone is familiar with his heroics on the dirt track. And now, it seems the Hendrick Motorsports driver is about to get his wish to drive in IndyCar.

In light of this, in 2024, Larson will run the double, which, for the initiated, is the Coca-Cola 600 and the Indy500 back to back, on the same weekend. A few of the drivers in the past have attempted this, and only Tony Stewart is someone who has completed the 1,100 miles of both these races.

Larson’s excitement was evident in his statement from January. As quoted by Autosport, he expressed his dedication, saying, “I think if you look at all the types of stuff that I’ve done… when I get involved in something I don’t want it to be just a one and done thing. I want to take it serious, I want to continue to compete in it, learn the craft, because every type of racecar I drive takes a different style, a different driving path, and IndyCar is going to be another one of those obviously.”

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The deal with Arrow McLaren is for one race, but Larson’s ambition is clear. He explained that if everyone involved enjoys the experience and considers it successful, he would love to continue racing in IndyCar beyond the initial agreement. His ultimate goal is not simply to participate in the Indy 500 but to strive for victory, expressing his desire to win in the future.