Some challenges in motorsports are so brutal, so demanding, that only a select few dare to attempt them. The Indy-Charlotte Double, a grueling 1100-mile marathon, is one of them. In 2001, Tony Stewart didn’t just attempt it; he conquered it, completing every lap and finishing inside the top six in both races. Five drivers have attempted the Double-Duty, yet no driver has matched that endurance, that resilience, that sheer will.

Kyle Larson had his shot last year, only for cruel fate, disguised as bad weather, to rip it away. But great racers don’t quit. This year, he’s back for redemption. However, what fans didn’t see was the quiet force behind his return. It was none other than his team owner Rick Hendrick who pulled the strings, made the calls, and ensured that Larson’s dream wasn’t left unfinished.

Rick Hendrick’s pivotal role in Kyle Larson’s Indy-Charlotte Double return

After last year’s unsuccessful attempt at the grueling 1,100-mile Indy-Charlotte double, Kyle Larson is gearing up for another shot on May 25, 2025. Reflecting on the setback, Larson expressed his determination: “Last year we wanted to do 1100 miles, unfortunately, the weather got in the middle of that. So, that was a huge bummer but a lot of motivation for us to do it again this year.”

Last year, the 2021 NASCAR champion had to face a rain delay at the Indy 500 and managed to finish 18th. Then, Kyle Larson rushed to reach Charlotte just in time for the Coca-Cola 600. However, the same storm that affected Indianapolis washed away Larson’s hopes at Charlotte, as he had to end his race prematurely, even before logging a single lap. This led to Larson potentially missing out on the NASCAR playoffs, but the playoff waiver granted him his entry last year. However, this year is different. If Larson misses the Coca-Cola 600 this year in pursuit of the Indy 500, he would stand to lose all his accumulated playoff points during the regular season.

Their 2025 attempt involves increased risks for sure. However, HMS Vice President Jeff Gordon shed light on team owner Rick Hendrick’s enthusiasm and proactive involvement. “When we left that race, we were pretty bummed out and then it was a month later we got with Rick and he’s like, ‘Hey, what do you think about doing this again?'” This initiative underscores Hendrick’s commitment to supporting Larson’s pursuit of the double – a sign of his deep investment in the challenge and belief in Larson’s ability to succeed.

The risks of racing outside of NASCAR Sundays are high. Any minor injury that causes you to miss a race can have huge implications on the season, and Hendrick Motorsports usually kept their drivers strictly within NASCAR until Larson showed up in 2021. The versatile driver has 3 Chili Bowl Nationals amongst multiple titles in different forms of racing, and Hendrick knows how important it is for him to get another shot at ‘The Double.’ After a 2021 preseason filled with dirt racing and sprint racing, Larson ended up using that momentum en route to his first championship. So, despite the risks, Hendrick sees a bigger reward.

With the combined efforts of Larson, Hendrick Motorsports, and McLaren, the upcoming Memorial Day weekend promises a compelling narrative of resilience and ambition. Fans and stakeholders alike are eager to witness whether this renewed endeavor will culminate in the successful completion of the storied double. “[We] hope and pray that the weather is good and our cars have equal and better speed than they did last year,” Kyle Larson said for his upcoming attempt. We wish the same for him!

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New paint, new partner – Larson’s 2025 ‘Double’ upgrade

Hendrick Motorsports and McLaren are pulling out all the stops for Kyle Larson’s second shot at the grueling Indy-Charlotte double. One of the most noticeable changes will be his fresh paint schemes, with new colors and branding set to debut on both his Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 cars. Fans can expect a bold look as Larson gears up for redemption.

“HendrickCars.com doesn’t change its paint scheme very often, but when they do, I feel like they go all in and really make it worthwhile. These cars look awesome, and I think it’s exciting to have a fresh look and a fresh start to kick off this year’s Hendrick 1100 effort.” Larson said, talking about the new blue, white, and orange-accent paint scheme.

Adding to the excitement, Prime Video has joined as a key partner, marking a significant crossover between motorsports and entertainment. The streaming giant will document Larson’s journey, offering fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at his preparation, challenges, and race-day emotions. This collaboration is set to bring unprecedented access to one of the sport’s most ambitious feats. While the documentary was scheduled for 2024, rain stopped it, but Rick Hendrick made sure the show went on.

Beyond the aesthetics and sponsorships, Larson’s team has worked tirelessly to fine-tune both cars for better performance. With last year’s setback in mind, every detail has been optimized, from aerodynamics to pit stop strategy, to maximize his chances of completing the full 1,100 miles. Now, all that remains is for Larson to hit the track and prove that his second attempt will be the charm. Do you think Larson can finally complete ‘The Double’ in 2025? Let us know in the comments!