Kyle Larson’s Double Attempt Unsuccessful for Second Straight Year
For the second consecutive year, Kyle Larson’s attempt to complete the ”double,” racing both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600, no matter how gimmicky the races are now, on the same day, ended in disappointment. After weather delays in both races derailed his 2024 attempt, Larson returned in 2025 with renewed determination. However, this year, early crashes in both races turned his historic pursuit into a perfect example of motorsport’s unforgiving nature. At the Indianapolis 500, Larson’s day unraveled on lap 91. Following a rain-delayed start, he lost control entering turn two during a restart, spinning out and colliding with Sting Ray Robb. The incident was parlayed with a stalled pit stop earlier in the race, which had already cost him valuable time and positions. Reflecting on the crash, Larson admitted to reporters, “I got loose and just kind of got all over the place — I got a little too eager there on the restart and caused that crash. I hate it for everybody that got caught up in it.” Larson would DNF, ending up in 24th.
With a short memory, Larson quickly departed Indianapolis by helicopter to make the evening's Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. Starting strong, he ran near the front and led early on. However, trouble struck on lap 38 when Larson brushed the wall, leading to handling issues. Larson spun from the lead shortly after, and the car was never the same. Ultimately, a multi-car crash on lap 246 ended his night, relegating him to a 37th-place finish. “Not the day that I wanted,” were the only words that the disappointed Larson could muster up.
The physical and logistical demands of racing two races, for 1,100 miles in a single day are immense. Five drivers have attempted it, but only Tony Stewart has successfully completed both races on the same day, achieving the feat in 2001. Many thought that Kyle Larson could not only complete both races, but win them. With two straight years of nothing but disappointment and heartbreak, it seems like that may be out of reach for Larson.
Larson seemed quite leery about attempting the ”double" again. “The ‘double’ is just a tough undertaking.” Larson told reporters, “The window of time is too tight, so I don’t think it’s worth it. However, I would love to run the [Indy] 500 again. Just doing the ’double’, I think, is just logistically too tough.” Kyle Larson isn’t the kind of racer who will roll over and concede defeat—he will be back in Indianapolis—it will just be in good time.
Larson's back-to-back attempts underscore the formidable challenge of the “double.” While his tireless efforts have not gone according to plan, they highlight Larson’s relentless pursuit of excellence. For a driver that many consider the “best in the world,” his struggles define the unforgiving nature of motorsports as a whole — these cars, these tracks, and these races owe drivers nothing, and nothing is given. Whether Larson will make another attempt at the “double” remains to be seen, but his determination and resilience continue to inspire fans and drivers alike.
