Kyle Larson Gets a Taste of His Upcoming Indy 500 Stint as Rain Hampers IndyCar’s Test

Ever since last year, the buzz has been all about Kyle Larson not just burning rubber on race day but keeping his calendar jam-packed all year round. Even when most folks take a breather in the off-season, Larson remains all revved up, hitting the ground running with NASCAR’s preseason shows. And recently he kicked off his 2024 season with a bang, crossing the finish line in 5th place at Clash at the Coliseum.

Now, he’s gearing up for a real test of his mettle, taking on the double-duty challenge. But ahead of that recently he went to Phoenix’s low-banked tri-oval, known for its one-mile stretch and gentle banks, to spin around for a rookie litmus test. 

Kyle Larson’s Indy 500 preparation has already started

Kyle Larson is already gearing up for the Indy 500. Originally set to hit the Phoenix track for a rookie run-through on February 6, a threat of rain had him buckling in a day sooner. Larson’s not sweating the schedule shuffle. “I’ve got a couple of tests coming up here if the rainstorm doesn’t hit too hard. I’m supposed to test Tuesday in Phoenix, and I think there is an open test in April. I would say once April rolls around, I’d say that’s when it’ll get hot and heavy on prep work. I’m so used to being busy, so I don’t think it’s really going to feel way different for me,” Larson mused.

The only other date circled on his calendar for Indy prep is the Open Test on April 10-11. Back in October, Larson took an Indy car for a spin at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, breezing through the Rookie Orientation Program’s three phases in 72 laps, topping out at a cool 217.898 mph.

Larson clearly has his eye on the prize, especially when it comes to the IndyCar challenge. “I want to do a good job,” the 31-year-old declared. “So, it’s definitely going to take a lot of focus on the IndyCar side to do a good job. I’m confident that I’m going to get all of the data and information to study with, and all of these extra laps will help me come the month of May and will help it all go smooth.”

Watch This Story: Kyle Larson Confesses Bubba Wallace’s Continuous Shenanigans Drove Him to His Limits

Larson will be taking on the legendary ‘Memorial Day Weekend Double’—a feat not attempted since Kurt Busch in 2014. The endurance test includes back-to-back races at the Indy 500 and the Charlotte Motor Speedway’s 600-mile monster on the same day. To give Larson a fighting chance, Hendrick Motorsports has tweaked the playbook, giving him a pass on the pre-race meeting for the Coca-Cola 600.

He’ll be following in the tire tracks of pioneers like John Andretti, who first took on the double in ’94, and Tony Stewart, who’s still hailed as the king of this daunting challenge. But well, going with one week at a time, as Larson sets his sights on Daytona, a victory there remains his elusive target, his own personal Everest waiting to be conquered.

Is this the year #5 finally clinches a win at Daytona?

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Kyle Larson has been on the edge of glory there, securing pole positions but somehow always falling short of cracking the top 5. Daytona International Speedway is notorious for its capricious nature, throwing problems at even the most seasoned drivers. Yet, some rookies, including Denny Hamlin, Ricky Stenhouse Jr, and Kyle Busch, have managed to dance their way through its challenges.

Despite Larson’s 19 attempts, with 5 top-10 finishes, the winner’s circle has eluded him. Last year, he revved up from the front row only to cross the finish line in 18th. But with the wind in his sails from recent successes, could this be the year Larson flips the script and steals the Daytona 500 spotlight? 

Read More: “I Wanted to Get Him Back” – Kyle Larson Admits That Bubba Wallace’s Constant Antics Pushed Him Over the Edge

Then there’s the dynamic duo of Denny Hamlin and Ross Chastain, who’ve proven they know their way around the track. Hamlin’s fresh off a win at the Clash at the Coliseum, and Chastain, with his knack for leading laps at Daytona, can’t be counted out either. So, who’s your money on for the Daytona Dazzler this time around?