Kyle Larson Unravels an ‘1100-Mile’ Obstacle in Pursuit of ‘The World’s Biggest Race’

It takes immense talent and resilience to drive 400 or 500 laps in a NASCAR Cup race. Clubbing together two such races in one single day may not touch the imagination of most drivers. Yet Kyle Larson is ready to attempt this superhuman feat in a month. 

Being a few of those to compete in the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in one day, Larson’s predecessors were no less legendary. Tony Stewart is the first to come to mind, as the four-time Cup champion was the only one to have completed the challenge. And that daunting longevity of the two races is what Larson aims to tackle.

Kyle Larson reveals ‘mind-boggling’ race length

Before Kyle Larson set his eyes on ‘The Double’, five drivers attempted it: the late John Andretti, Davy Jones, Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Kurt Busch. Tony Stewart scripted history in his second attempt in 2001. Not only did he complete both races, but he also fetched impressive results, finishing 6th place at Indy and 3rd at Charlotte.

About a month back, Larson had detailed his apprehensions about the challenge to Dale Earnhardt Jr. But now he seems more confident. Kyle Larson described as he talked to Sean Cunningham of FOX40 News. 

“It’s the biggest race in the world. The Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the early afternoon, in a car that I’ve never raced before. As soon as that’s done, I gotta hop on a helicopter to the Indianapolis airport, get on an airplane, and fly to the airport here in Charlotte. Then get on a helicopter there to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, and basically get into the NASCAR Cup Series car and go run 600 miles in that. So, 1100 miles of racing in one day”.

The tedious race length has been difficult for most drivers. The first contender, John Andretti, finished 10th in Indianapolis, but an engine failure relegated him to 36th place in Charlotte. Kurt Busch also got held up by a mid-race engine failure in Charlotte. 

Kyle Larson is also concerned about the tremendous speed. He logged 190 mph at an IndyCar practice in February, falling about 55 mph short of what is required. On being asked if he harbors any fear, Larson replied, “Maybe for the qualifying in the Indianapolis Speedway, because there they turn the boost up. That’s going to be the fastest I’ve ever gone in my life. It could be like 245 at the end straight away. That’s gonna be pretty crazy.”

Yet the most fearful factor should be the physical toll this ordeal would take on Larson. But the Hendrick driver is undeterred.

Larson believes he is tenacious enough

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When Tony Stewart first attempted ‘The Double’ in 1999, he recollected how health troubles intervened in his pursuit. Dehydration was a pressing issue, and a stomach issue afflicted him in the final laps of the Coca-Cola 600. But he came prepared in 2001, having a nutritionist by his side. 

These memories are bound to create nightmares for any other driver, but Kyle Larson is confident. “I think this would be the closest I could get to feeling like what a triathlete or an endurance athlete would go through, you know, the amount of calories burned throughout the day and all that…I like challenging myself, my mind, my body, all of that. Hopefully, I just do good.”

We also hope that our Las Vegas winner not only overcomes the challenges but also puts up a stellar performance in May.

Read More: Kyle Larson Asserts the Significance of Qualifying as Next Gen Continues to Struggle on Short Tracks