Since Kyle Larson passed his Indianapolis 500 test run in October, anticipation for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend has skyrocketed. Dubbed the #Hendrick1100, the Hendrick Motorsports star is poised to run in the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. As it appears, this ambitious effort of Larson has led the 2023 NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney to a zone of inspiration.
Talking at the latest winner-owner news conference, Roger Penske, talked about how Blaney spoke to him about wanting to run in the Indianapolis 500.
Roger Penske provides an update on the Indy 500 desires of Ryan Blaney
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Ryan Blaney is still riding high on the success of his 2023 season. Battling William Byron, Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson for the championship, he gave Roger Penske his second championship in as many years. However, the adrenaline-rushing end doesn’t seem to have appeased Blaney enough. Talking at NASCAR’s champion week in Nashville, Roger Penske revealed how the champion had spoken to him about wanting to run in the Indianapolis 500.
Unfortunately, Penske also mentioned that he wasn’t going to let him do it. Continuing further, according to veteran reporter Bob Pockrass, Penske cast a good light on Larson for the massive impact he was going to create in the event’s ticket sales.
Roger Penske, at winner owner news conference, said Blaney has mentioned about running the Indy 500 but Penske indicated there aren’t any plans for Blaney to do it … He said IMS can see impact of Kyle Larson doing the 2024 Indy 500 when it comes to ticket sales for next May.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 30, 2023
As was announced in January, the infamous Arrow McLaren team has been prepping itself for Kyle Larson’s Indy 500 run. Looking over Penske’s words, there is a big doubt whether Larson or Blaney will care about the numbers that they bring in ticket sales. Being among the top racers in motorsports, getting the chance to drive in the prestigious Indy 500 would be credit enough for either of them. Blaney, however, will not get to fulfil his desire. At least, not in 2024.
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Kyle Larson’s ambitious goal for the 2024 Memorial Day
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Kyle Larson’s attempt at making history will be in the 108th version of the Indianapolis 500. Hours after finishing the race at the Indianapolis Motorspeedway, he will make it to the Charlotte Motor Speedway to trouble his opponents in the Coca-Cola 600. The “Hendrick 1100” should it be a success will catapult Kyle Larson and his team to a new page in history. So far, it does look like they will be able to pull it off.
Going to the Penske-owned race track back in October for his Rookie Orientation Program for the Indy 500, Larson completed his laps with utter ease. Taking a large entourage that included Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon along with him, the driver set a top speed of 217.89 miles per hour. A step in the absolute right direction, if it even has to be said.
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Looking at the potential for success that Larson has, it is a mystery why Roger Penske would forbid Blaney from participating in it. He owns the track, he owns the series and he owns the race. All it would take is a word of approval. Regardless, Ryan Blaney will have soaked under the spotlight this week at Nashville. As NASCAR celebrates its winners of 2023, the Cup Series champion can’t have too many complaints. Should the 2024 Indy 500 prove to be a success for Larson, we can hope to see Blaney compete with him in 2025.