“It Makes Racing Better”: After Kyle Larson Effect, Kevin Harvick Demands Roger Penske Rope In Former Indy500 Champ to NASCAR

Kyle Larson‘s attempt at the iconic double race weekend was ruined by bad weather. But his impressive performance when he competed at the Indy 500 and the rain-stopped Coca-Cola 600 on the same day has reignited discussions about the possibility of drivers crossing over between NASCAR and Indy car.

Now, NASCAR veteran, Kevin Harvick calls for Penske to consider recruiting a former Indy 500 champion to NASCAR to reflect the growing recognition and versatility drivers from different open-wheel racing would bring to the table.

Kevin Harvick on embracing the ‘Kyle Larson Effect’

Harvick vision for the future of racing involves embracing what he calls the ‘Kyle Larson’ effect. It is where drivers from different racing disciplines regularly compete against each other in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Daytona and Le Mans.

By introducing this culture of cross-racing competition, Harvick believes that racing can be more exciting. “I want to see the NASCAR guys. The high level guys, I’m just saying, the highest level of guys on each side race each other’s cars on occasion. Not all the time. And I want to see them at the 24 Hours of Daytona. I want to see them at Le Mans. I want to see all those things happen because I think it makes racing better” he said on The Happy Hour.

Discussing the potential for drivers to cross over between NASCAR and IndyCar, Harvick recalls the racing days when Mario Andretti and AJ Foyt used to compete across multiple racing sectors. He sees the same potential in drivers like Larson and Scoot Mclaughlin who can carry that cross-racing tradition alive. “I think that Scott Mclaughlin should be the first guy… I don’t know why they are holding him back,” Harvick opines.

Harvick further acknowledges Larson’s significant influence on fan engagement referring to the increased sales of the team souvenir and TV ratings for both the NASCAR All-Star Race and the Indy 500. Harvick also highlights the impact that Larson has had on the racing community. Despite all the setbacks he faced last weekend due to bad weather conditions and race delays, Harvick underscores the height of his achievements.

Kyle Larson’s road to redemption

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NASCAR Champion Kyle Larson is already looking forward to making his return to the Indy 500 after a promising debut where, despite rain delaying his race, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion finished 18th. Further followed by disappointment due to bad weather disruptions preventing him from attempting his run at the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, Larson remains undefeated and wants to excel in both NASCAR and the IndyCar series, “I hope to do it again someday” he said.

Even during the post-race duties after the Indy 500, Larson expressed his genuine enjoyment of the race and even hinted his intentions to participate again in the future, “Such an awesome event and again, I just hope and pray that I can do it again and really get another opportunity”

Even though he was unable to complete his iconic Double run this year, he remains optimistic about the prospect of attempting the Double again next year given that his contract with Arrow McLaren is valid till the end of the next season.