Denny Hamlin Backs Kyle Larson’s Decision to Prioritize Indy Ambitions Over HMS

2024 is an exciting year for Hendrick Motorsports star Kyle Larson. Not only are his eyes set on clinching a second championship title, but he’s also poised to try the revered ‘Double Duty’ this year. The first attempt since 2014 by Kurt Busch, Larson is being considered a prime candidate to complete it successfully. But this 1,100-mile commitment for the #5 also means that he’ll be forced to miss the practice and qualifying rounds of the NASCAR All-Star weekend at the North Wilkesboro Speedway.

And while many opine that the racer is perhaps paying more attention to his personal ambitions over his commitment to his team, Denny Hamlin thinks quite the contrary!

Kyle Larson is making waves in IndyCar

When the news came out this year regarding Kyle Larson’s attempt of the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600, the NASCAR world had something exciting to look forward to. Especially considering that he has a great opportunity to bag yet another Cup Series championship to his name. Hamlin opened up on the Cup Series table topper’s plans for IndyCAR.

He said, “Well, Kyle is at Indy, I think he’s practicing right? Yeah, he can afford to mess any if he’s gonna really take this whole Indy thing seriously, which he is. You know you just have enough reps in those cars to mess on those practices. So, I think he is doing the right thing by staying in the Indy, and then, you know letting these guys. They know what they need. He got three good teammates. He can lean off of set up stuff. You know, they’ll come up with their own set up and Kevin will drive it. He will do a great job and Larson would be a factor when we go to race for sure.”

Notably, 2014 Cup Series champion, Kevin Harvick, is making an unexpected comeback to racing. Having hung up his helmet last season to become a commentator, he is now gearing up for a one-time practice race. This event is part of the NASCAR All-Star weekend festivities at North Wilkesboro in May. Harvick will take the wheel of the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, filling in for Kyle Larson. Harvick earlier discussed how he received a call from Rick Hendrick requesting his help regarding this matter. The 48-year-old agreed without hesitation to return to the driver’s seat, that too in a championship favorite car.

HMS star to spread his essence in Indy Series

The 2021 NASCAR Cup champion is ambitiously aiming to compete in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 over the same weekend. Although having dual commitments along with his busy Cup Series schedule, Larson is basking in confidence. With HMS #5 focusing on qualifying for the Indy 500, his participation in the NASCAR All-Star weekend was uncertain. Harvick stepping in ensures that the No. 5 car remains in experienced hands for practice and qualifying sessions.

Kyle Larson is set to have his dream come true as he joins the Arrow McLaren lineup for the 2024 Indianapolis 500. He joins McLaren Racing for this prestigious event. The Chevrolet that Larson will drive is co-owned by Rick Hendrick, a NASCAR Hall of Famer. Furthermore, he will feature HendrickCars.com as the title partner.

“I’m super excited,” Larson said. “Competing at the Indianapolis 500 is a dream of mine and something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time – since I was a child before I ever began competing in sprint cars. To do it with Arrow McLaren, and Mr. Hendrick especially, is a dream come true. I’m grateful for the opportunity and am really looking forward to competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 and maybe even get a win or two that day.”

Netizens believe that double timing both Cup Series and IndyCar would affect Larson’s performance in both. Let’s see how this turns out for him. What do you think regarding this? Can the HMS star successfully manage both?