Not Hendrick Motorsports or NASCAR, Here’s Why Kyle Larson’s Indy 500 Run Is in 2024 and Not This Year

It has been an eventful decade for NASCAR up until now. It has been even more so for Kyle Larson. From being banned in 2020 to making a spectacular comeback and winning the Cup Series in the most fantastic fashion in 2021, Larson has had an interesting journey. His 2021 run was followed by a disappointing 2022 season, leading fans to wonder how the coming season will pan out for him.

With the Cup Series yet to start, one would have assumed that Larson would be enjoying his off-season break by staying away from the track. But the Hendrick Motorsports driver has remained at the center of the action and has been embroiled in yet another controversy.

A hectic 2023—Hendrick Motorsports will be busy

Keeping that aside, his 2023 season is a crucial one. On the one hand, he would like to return to winning ways in NASCAR, especially after the team highlighted issues with consistency. On the other, he is very ambitious and has planned for a jam-packed racing schedule.

However, fans found a slight issue with Larson’s schedule in 2023—the Indy 500. The historic Memorial Day race has long been frequented by NASCAR drivers and there was an expectation that Larson would be joining the list in 2023. But it might not be, as a release from HMS revealed his participation at the event in 2024. A puzzled fan asked veteran journalist, Bob Pockrass, why that was the case.

Pockrass explained, “Not many Chevy rides still available for Indy 500 and this gives them time to make sure Larson and everyone does it right (Hendrick is putting a lot of focus on Le Mans this year). Plus this year would be tough with potential qualifying and the all-star race around the same time.”

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Again, the reference seems to be to the packed schedule and an attempt to have a better year compared to 2022 where the best finish for the team came from Chase Elliott in 4th place.

Kyle Larson and 2024—what’s the plan?

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The “postponement” of Larson’s participation in the Indy 500 should not be taken negatively. HMS, as per their release, is going to be in full support of Larson for his participation. Moreso, they will be attempting another major feat that year.

Though many drivers have tried their hand at it, only Tony Stewart has been able to achieve the Double, i.e., participating and completing the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Larson will be hoping to join Stewart on that list in 2024.

NBCSports reported Larson as saying, “Competing at the Indianapolis 500 is a dream of mine and something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time—since I was a child before I ever began competing in sprint cars.”

“I’m grateful for the opportunity and am really looking forward to it even though it’s still about a year and a half away. I’m really looking forward to competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 and maybe even get a win or two that day.”

HMS will be sponsoring the car in partnership with Arrow McLaren. Rick Hendrick stated “Having the opportunity to support Kyle, partner with an elite team like Arrow McLaren and promote HendrickCars.com in one of the world’s great auto racing events is truly unique. […] We’re 100% committed to doing it right and look forward to working with (McLaren).”

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Attempting to do the Double will be a massive task—but if there is one team that can pull it off, it’s certainly Hendrick Motorsports.