After over a year of meticulous preparation, the 2024 Double ambitions were thrown in the water. Only four drivers attempted the 1100-mile feat in the past. But only one, Tony Stewart, prevailed, and that too in his second attempt. Hence the fifth driver, Kyle Larson, knew that appearing for both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 was no cakewalk.

Yet he did not expect the weather to throw a wrench in his plans. What bugged Kyle Larson the most was that he could not even try for the front row at the Coca-Cola 600. The rains followed him from a weather-delayed Indy race to Charlotte, where officials called off the race. Yet his most ardent supporters have been by his side, acknowledging the tremendous effort.

Kyle Larson left no stone unturned to save the Double

In the past, John Andretti first embarked on this strenuous feat in 1994. Claiming a top-ten Indy finish, a faulty crankshaft in Charlotte relegated Andretti to 36th place. Robby Gordon tried five times but never finished the entire 1100 miles due to rain. Kurt Busch pulled a sixth-place finish at Indy, but an engine failure dashes his hopes in the Coca-Cola 600.

Only Tony Stewart finished the feat in 2001 after dehydration stopped his hopes in 1999. These past incidents demonstrate the daunting nature of the Double. Similarly, Kyle Larson also faced an incredible venture before the 2024 Memorial Day weekend began. Yet the HMS driver seemingly left no stone unturned in the attempt.

A while ago, a rumor floated that Indy veteran Tony Kanaan would fill in for Larson if the weather played spoilsport. But a 2015 Indy rule stipulates that nobody can fill in for a driver mid-race. Hence that option was cast aside, even though Kanaan played a huge role in advising Kyle Larson’s maiden Indy 500 run.

This situation compelled Larson to finish the race and that jeopardized his Coca-Cola 600 plans. Justin Allgaier raced the No. 5 for 249 laps, and Larson was prepared to finish the last 151. But the inclement weather forced NASCAR to pull the plug. Kyle Larson could not race and felt supremely dejected as he quietly took his leave from the Charlotte venue. He also posted an online apology to all his fans, family, supporters, and benefactors who had hoped for a great spectacle.

Yet Kyle Larson’s prime supporters rallied to wipe away his tears. They hailed his supreme efforts and patted his back for a good attempt.

Larson gathers community support

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Just like everyone had feared, ‘The Double’ attempt wasn’t as smooth for Larson as he had hoped for. What’s even more heartbreaking is how the entirety of the Hendrick Motorsports management had rallied behind their driver in the last few months. From Rick Hendrick taking care of all things logistics, to Jeff Gordon encouraging the #5 and cheering on him from the sidelines, it was truly a team effort from all angles.

And perhaps that’s the reason Larson couldn’t help but feel regretful, which was evident in his social media updates. Although the rain forecasts were in place, actually seeing the expensive effort turn into dust was painful. Kyle Larson especially felt sorry for his supporters. “I feel like I let so many people down,” he said.

But contrasting his guilty feelings, the NASCAR community sided with his remarkable effort. Tony Kanaan, who played a role in Larson’s Indy efforts, ridiculed his apologetic stance. “There is nothing to apologize. We are all behind and proud of you. Let’s do it again. I was already a fan now you became one of my hero’s,” his comment read. 

Then the entire Hendrick team chimed in with its comments, being proud to have hosted their star driver. Rick Hendrick put the Double plans in motion 16 months ago, and was proud of the result nonetheless. Hendrick Motorsports commented: “We’re nothing but proud of you. ❤️” Similarly, Hendrick Cars also quipped: “Proud of your incredible effort. 👊🏼”

Arrow McClaren had sponsored Kyle Larson’s No. 17 Dallara-Chevrolet. Larson ran their car in the top 10 for most of the Indy 500, until a speeding penalty encumbered his progress. But not paying heed to such matters, the manufacturer poured their gratitude, writing, “Thank you for an incredible experience all around. 🧡”

Besides his primary benefactors, cup rival Denny Hamlin’s family also applauded Kyle Larson. Jordan Fish, Hamlin’s fiance, put in her own consolation, ignoring Larson’s seething rivalry with Hamlin which saw him finish second to the #11 racer on six different occasions. “Awww your @nascar fam is so proud of you regardless! Thanks for being a great representative of our sport! 👏🏁,” she encouragingly wrote. 

Evidently, Larson’s Double efforts are far from going unrecognized by his loving swathe of fans in motorsport. Perhaps we will see the 2021 Cup Series champ attempt the incredible feat again, soon!