Kyle Larson Unsure of IndyCar ‘Reality’ Despite Strong Start to Indy500 Bid

Hendrick Motorsports star driver Kyle Larson is aspiring to run the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. It is indeed a big undertaking, even for a driver like Larson. For now, Tony Stewart is the only NASCAR driver who has successfully run 1100 miles by competing in the marquee American motorsports events.

Going by early signs of the practice runs, Kyle Larson is looking geared up for the challenge. Driving the No. 17 Arrow McLaren, the HMS driver clocked a lap time of 39.756 seconds. Interestingly, this was the second-fastest overall lap of the practice session. Despite his strong display in practice, Larson is still skeptical about the actual racing experience and has underlined the nuances of open-wheel racing he is still figuring out.

Kyle Larson isn’t getting carried away by his splendid test run

It has to be noted that Larson will be running in the Indianapolis 500 as a rookie. So coming off a racing background in sprint car and stock car racing, it will be a huge task for him to adjust to the open-wheel race car. Although the test session on Wednesday morning was surprisingly good for the rookie driver, he is still very much in sync with the realities of racing in IndyCar.

Explaining the learning curve of running in an Indy car, Larson said after his test run, “Yeah, I don’t know; I mean, I’ve definitely learned stuff, but when the packs are that small, you don’t what you’re learning is reality or not. Just need to get more laps behind people, also like being in front of people and kind of getting familiar with my mirrors, communication, and trying all that together in seeing runs develop behind me.”

He further went on to add that he is still getting to grips with the different dynamics of racing in an Indy car. Further stating that he still has a lot to learn. “Knowing when I need to lift, tuck in the line, all that race craft stuff, I feel like there’s still room to learn. But I did learn quite a bit there, and it was good to get around people,” Larson added.

Moreover, his spotter, Tyler Monn, also explained the key difference between racing in IndyCar ahead of the test run today.

Larson’s spotter highlights the key differences in competing in the IndyCar event

Monn will be accompanying Larson in his bid to achieve the historic feat of completing the double. He was alongside the driver last year for the rookie test and will share the spotting duties with Travis Gregg. Monn has already been working for the big day and has been busy watching broadcasts of the previous Indy500 race.

One of the key responsibilities for Monn will be to keep Larson informed about his surroundings. His input will be vital, especially when the cars are zooming past at speeds of 230 miles per hour. Explaining the big difference in racing in open wheel events compared to stock cars, Moon via Autoweek said, “The biggest difference is in the passing. Typically in Cup, when a guy pulls out of line to pass it takes a while to complete the pass. In IndyCar, as soon as you see that guy get out of line, you know he’s going to pass immediately.”

Having already secured the playoff spot with a win at Vegas, Kyle Larson will now look to add a historic achievement by attempting “The Double” on May 27.

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