“I Would Have Been Rushed to Be Prepared”: Kyle Larson Reveals Reason Behind His Delayed Indy 500 Debut

Last week, 2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson confirmed his participation in the Indianapolis 500. However, the catch was that he would compete in the 2024 edition of the iconic IndyCar race. Without a doubt, racing the Indy 500 is the dream for many drivers. The race is even more special as it is considered a part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport—alongside the Monaco Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Larson told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, “If we were to put it together to run this year, I still feel like I would have been rushed to be prepared for May, and feel like I can go compete at a high level. So yes, it’s a long ways away from the event.

“But I feel like, I like that a lot better, because now I can have all this time to focus on doing the right things, to train and get better, not only physically, but also just behind the wheel. Trying the simulator, behind the actual wheel of an IndyCar. Hopefully getting some testing before Indianapolis next year. I’m glad that it’s going to be next year’s Indy 500 and not this year’s.”

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What lies ahead for Kyle Larson in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series?

For the moment, the Hendrick Motorsports driver is looking ahead to the 2023 Cup Series championship. He would have been bitterly disappointed to not follow up his 2021 triumph by defending his crown. But many fans found his 2022 season impressive because he was simultaneously competing in several dirt races. In essence, he was attending the late-model dirt races, before hopping on a plane and rushing to the next NASCAR Cup race track.

Whether he will employ the same strategy this year as well is anybody’s guess. Of course, there may come a time when he will have to sort out his priorities, especially when he starts to get into the thick of the championship battle. And if his current thought process is indicative of anything, it is that he seems aware that he cannot have too much on his plate. This is why the Indy 500 bid is on the back burner for the time being.

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