Kyle Larson’s quest to become the fifth driver to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day took a serious blow on Sunday because of a weather delay in Indianapolis.
The Indianapolis 500 was initially slated to start at 12:45 p.m. ET, but was postponed because of storms. The weather passed by mid-afternoon, and track-drying took to the speedway in anticipation of a 4:45 p.m. ET start.
With the Coca-Cola 600 scheduled to start in Charlotte at 6 p.m. ET, that left Larson with a choice. He said during the rain delay that racing in the Indianapolis 500 was the “priority” and reportedly planned to start the race. He’s disappointed that weather didn’t postpone the Indianapolis 500 to Monday to allow him to start both races.
“I think our plan is to keep this as a priority,” Larson said, per the Associated Press. “I think I would be here racing. But I’m actually bummed about that in a way. I wanted it to just rain out today. With the rain coming, I’d rather it be a bigger storm and last longer.”
The decision is a high-stakes call for Larson, who’s the points leader in the NASCAR Cup standings. Missing the Coca-Cola 600 would mean missing out on any points that he would have otherwise earned from the race. Larson is competing for his second NASCAR Cup title after winning his first in 2021. It’s widely believed that Larson will receive a waiver from a rule requiring drivers to start in every race to be eligible for the playoffs.
Four drivers have successfully taken on the Memorial Day weekend double by starting in the Indianapolis 500, then flying to Charlotte to compete in the Coca-Cola 600. Kurt Bush was the last to compete in both races in 2014. Tony Stewart did it twice in 1999 and 2001. Robby Gordon did it five times (1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004).
John Andretti was the first to complete the feat in 1994. The double was made possible when lights were installed at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1992, allowing the race to take place after sundown.
Source Agencies
