Kyle Larson Shatters Rookie Qualifying Record as He Looks to Create History at the Indianapolis 500

May 19, 2024 | 7:37 AM EDT

Link Copied!

In 2014, NASCAR driver Kurt Busch made a remarkable entry into the Indianapolis 500, finishing 6th and earning the prestigious Rookie of the Year award. His performance set a high benchmark for future NASCAR drivers transitioning to Indycar.

Fast forward to 2024, Kyle Larson has followed in Busch’s footsteps and shattered the rookie qualifying award. This achievement has garnered widespread attention and excitement as the Hendrick Motorsports driver is all set to make history in the upcoming race.

Larson’s Success refuses to raise eyebrows

Article continues below this ad

The high expectations on Larson’s shoulders stem from his impressive qualification for the Indianapolis 500. This is what the official NASCAR Instagram page had to say: “The fastest qualifying rookie in the Indy500. Are we surprised? Of course not.”

Article continues below this ad

As we dig into NASCAR history a little bit and pull data on top rookie finishes, we find that the chances of a historic finish this Sunday look inevitable. While Kurt Busch set a bar for future generations by finishing 6th in 2014, Larson’s current form implies that he’s all set to raise the bar. The best lap by the driver during the qualifying session was 226.384 mph. In comparison to this, Joseph Newgarden managed to score 228.811mph. How much closer can it get?! If we look at the performance trends of the fastest rookies, Larsons’ chances of finishing in the top 5 are very likely.

More so, Kyle Larson is attempting the ‘Double’. Sounds like a big deal but not when you take into consideration the kind of talent pool Kyle Larson is working with: Cliff Daniels(Crew Chief), Rick Hendricks, and not to mention the support of Zak Brown, CEO of Arrow Mclaren’. With such a massive backing, Larson can re-write history this coming Sunday. He will be racing the Indy 500 as well as the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Very few drivers, including Tony Stewart were able to do that successfully. If both races go well for him, Larson might set new marks for combined performance across these merciless back-to-back events. But what do legends like Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch have to say?

Article continues below this ad

Insights from Legends

Iconic figures like Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart have always been an inspiration for NASCAR drivers looking to make an Indy 500 debut. Their records such as Kyle Busch finishing 6th and Tony Stewart’s P6 at Indianapolis and P3 in Charlotte in 2001, is proof in itself of the capabilities of NASCAR drivers in IndyCar. Both these iconic figures despite having different personalities have a common opinion when it comes to succeeding in Indy500. Both of them give importance to adaptability, car control, and mental endurance.

As reported by IndyCar, this is what Tony Stewart had to say regarding Kyle Larson, “Kyle is one of the most versatile drivers of our generation. Watching him take on this challenge is exciting, and I believe he has the skills and determination to succeed.” Kurt Bush also pitched in for Larson. As reported by NBC, the veteran said, “Larson’s talent is undeniable, and his ability to adapt to different cars and tracks is remarkable. His performance in the qualifiers shows he’s ready for this stage.” Such remarks indeed show that Larson has earned a name for himself in NASCAR, and is potentially poised to make his place in history books.

Throughout his tenure in NASCAR, Larson has managed to excel in different forms of racing. He has won in the NASCAR Cup Series and has multiple dirt track victories right up his sleeve. Tackling the Indy500 challenge is not a cup of coffee, even for a prodigy like Larson. But that being said, he has access to top-tier equipment owing to his partnership with top names in the circuit.

Thus, Larson is all set post his successful qualifying run for the major event on Sunday. They say history never repeats itself. But, this is motorsports racing, where history is re-written time and again!