What do you do when you win a home race but face controversy over a missed historic feat? Kyle Larson recently triumphed in his hometown, California, by taking the checkered flag at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. This victory marked his third win of the 2024 season, cementing his place at the top of the NASCAR standings. However, the dust hasn’t settled around his failed Indy 500 Double Header attempt.

Critics still debate the justness behind Larson being granted a waiver despite his best efforts. Now, a HMS insider has taken a bold step to silence these critics once and for all.

The “Double Header” incident: A dramatic recap

Kyle Larson’s attempt at completing the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600, known as “The Double,” was one of the most ambitious undertakings in motorsports. Despite a year of preparation, the endeavor ended in disappointment. Rain delays in Indianapolis pushed back the start of the race, ruining Larson’s chance to complete all 1100 miles in a single day. He finished 18th in the Indy 500 after making a few rookie mistakes, including a pit-road speeding penalty that cost him a chance to contend. He then rushed to Charlotte, only to face another rain delay that ended the Coca-Cola 600 early, preventing him from turning a single lap.

Cliff Daniels, Kyle Larson’s crew chief, reflected on the event during the “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour” podcast. “We wanted Kyle to know… Yes, the result wasn’t what we all wanted. But in my opinion, I still think it was a win, and here’s why. Globally, it was a win. It brought a lot of attention to IndyCar and NASCAR. It showcased what somebody like Kyle Larson could do,” Daniels said.

Undoubtedly, Kyle Larson’s attempt helped NASCAR’s viewership; not just this, some even believe he’s the greatest driver in NASCAR at the moment. Daniels continued as he lauded his courage, “Kyle had never run a competitive lap in an IndyCar until the green flag of the Indy 500 and was one little mistake away from a top-five finish. That’s incredible. It showcased how prepared the 5 team was, and how Justin Allgaier stepped in and ran great in the NASCAR race”. He praised Justin Allgaier for his courage and talent, which helped the team stay competitive despite the circumstances.

However, the failed doubleheader attempt was not just a test of skill but also a test of resilience and preparation, and overall, it was a win for motorsports. Daniels emphasized, “The win for us is we put Justin in the car, worked through the challenges, and positioned ourselves competitively. What a win for motorsports, and an opportunity for so many people involved”. This bold claim from Daniels aimed to silence critics and highlight the broader success and inspiration drawn from the attempt.

Inspiration and cross-sport connections

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Kyle Larson’s bold attempt has inspired many within the racing community. Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden expressed his admiration in an interview with Bob Pockrass. “Bob, I want to [do the double] so bad. I think if you ask a lot of drivers, they would all relish the opportunity. Kyle is in a unique position, part of his pedigree in racing. He’s known for jumping in and out of a lot of cars,” Newgarden said.

Newgarden continued, “I think we need some IndyCar representatives to show the other way around. I love NASCAR racing too. I want to go run the double.” Larson’s attempt has not only inspired NASCAR drivers but also sparked interest among IndyCar drivers to crossover, creating a positive synergy between the two sports.

Other drivers have also shown appreciation for Larson’s efforts. Pato O’Ward, who is Larson’s teammate, competes full-time in the IndyCar Series, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet for Arrow. McLaren said, “I think he did a phenomenal job. When I was playing around with him in traffic, he handled it  well.” This admiration extends beyond individual achievements, fostering a deeper connection between NASCAR and IndyCar.

To spice up things further, IndyCar recently signed a deal with Fox to air all its races on the main network, promising broader exposure. Larson’s double header attempt has paved the way for greater fan engagement across both sports. IndyCar fans tuning in to watch NASCAR on Fox could potentially boost viewership and interest in both racing leagues.