Kyle Larson 'focused on Indy' ahead of Indianapolis 500 qualifying, NASCAR All-Star Race

For the second 12 months in a row, NASCAR Cup Collection driver Kyle Larson is making an attempt one of many best feats in motorsports: racing in each the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the identical day. 

However the needed preparation of each race vehicles and logistics begins effectively earlier than Larson will try and drive 1,100 miles in sooner or later in two of essentially the most prestigious races on the planet. 

Following his dominant victory within the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway on Sunday, Larson ran 45 laps within the first observe session for the Indianapolis 500 on Tuesday, inserting twenty fourth of 34 vehicles on the pace chart. 

In a information convention following the session, Larson defined the place his priorities lie through the week of each Indianapolis 500 qualifying and the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. 

“Simply centered on Indy now,” Larson stated when requested if he was juggling preparation for each the All-Star Race and Indianapolis. “Earlier than I left Kansas, (crew chief Cliff Daniels) and I talked, perhaps if there was time on Saturday throughout qualifying, we may get collectively and discuss how (NASCAR) observe went on and get ready for the race on Sunday.”

Whereas Larson is concentrated on getting re-acclimated to his No. 17 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet on the IndyCar facet, he made it clear that the Cup Collection takes precedent on the entire. 

“I believe, irrespective of by way of this complete expertise, particularly this 12 months, Cup needs to be the precedence,” Larson stated. “I assume we will run the All-Star Race it doesn’t matter what.” 

Ought to Larson make the Firestone Quick Six on Sunday afternoon and be in rivalry to win the pole for the 109th working of the Indianapolis 500, he would possible forfeit the chance to win the pole in an effort to begin the All-Star Race, which begins at 8 p.m. ET. 

“Hopefully we run into that predicament as a result of meaning our automotive is quick,” Larson stated. “It could be extraordinarily good to go for the pole on the Indianapolis 500, however on the similar time, it is arduous to show down a chance to race for one million {dollars}. Hopefully we’re in that predicament.” 

Whereas Larson is busy at Indianapolis, defending NASCAR Xfinity Collection champion Justin Allgaier will qualify Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet at North Wilkesboro on Friday. 

In 2024, Larson opted to race in a rain-delayed Indianapolis 500 and never begin the Coca-Cola 600. Whereas Larson did journey to Charlotte in an effort to end the race, rain delayed and finally ended the Coca-Cola 600 prematurely earlier than Larson had the chance to show a single lap. If Mom Nature interferes with Larson’s plan once more this 12 months, it seems the Coca-Cola 600 would take precedence. 

This week, nevertheless, Larson’s focus is solely on Indianapolis. 

“I believe it is good that we’re so well-organized (at Hendrick Motorsports) that I can utterly shut myself off from them for a handful of days to essentially try to be taught this and get ready for the five hundred,” Larson stated. “There’s only a lot that is unfamiliar that it’s a must to get refamiliarized with this week.”