IndyCar News: Larson to again attempt Indy 500 & Coca-Cola 600

In a press conference today at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team, Hendrick Motorsports and partner HendrickCars.com announced Kyle Larson will return to race “The Double” in 2025, filling out the Arrow McLaren four-car lineup in the Indianapolis 500.

Kyle Larson with the famous Borg Warner Trophy he hopes to someday be on

In what has been dubbed the #Hendrick1100, Kyle will once again attempt to complete 1,100 miles and challenge for two marquee race wins on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. After the 109th Running of the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he will immediately fly to Charlotte to race his No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet stock car in NASCAR’s crown jewel Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Rick Hendrick says that Kyle Larson will race the 600 if there is rain for the Indy 500 and it is delayed. Tony Kanaan announced today as the backup driver for the Indy 500. Hendrick said his commitment to NASCAR is that is where he runs full time for the championship.

The No. 17 HendrickCars.com Arrow McLaren Chevrolet will once again be owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick, Chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group and owner of Hendrick Motorsports. Kyle has driven for the 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions since 2021.

Kyle, 32, had an impressive debut in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in 2024, earning Rookie of the Year Award honors after flashing blazing speed throughout the Month of May. He set an Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Single-Lap Rookie Record by posting an average speed of 233.543 mph on Lap 1 during Top-12 Qualifying, where he advanced to the Firestone Fast 6. The Elk Grove, Calif., native went on to qualify fifth for the race and later crossed the finish line on a rain-delayed race day in P18.

Kyle, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is one of five drivers all-time to attempt “The Double” and will become the third to attempt it multiple times, joining Tony Stewart and Robby Gordon. None has earned a win in either race, and only one has completed all the laps (Stewart in 2001).

Kyle, who is regarded as one of the most talented drivers in motorsports, will join Arrow McLaren’s full-time lineup of Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard for the historic 500-mile race.

Kyle Larson, Driver, Hendrick Motorsports, said:

“I really enjoyed the month of May in Indy and racing with Arrow McLaren, but I was really disappointed with missing the Coca-Cola 600 with the No. 5 HendrickCars.com team. I appreciate the second opportunity because we have unfinished business. I really want to complete all 1100 miles, and I think we have the opportunity to battle for the win in both events.”

Mr. Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman/CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group, said:

“Kyle Larson had a great month of May and showed what a gifted race car driver he is. From a sponsorship perspective, we saw an incredible lift for HendrickCars.com and measured a three-to-one return on our investment. It was a monumental effort by all involved, but we didn’t have the opportunity to see it through (because of inclement weather). Everyone learned a great deal that we’ll take into next year. Now that we’ve experienced it once, we know what to expect, which can only make us better and more prepared. Zak and the team at Arrow McLaren are tremendous partners, and we’re looking forward to finishing the job together in 2025.”

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said:

“Kyle Larson showed us all what he was capable of this past May, and given a second chance with better weather conditions, I think we’ll all be excited to see him fight for a win at the Indy 500 and then another one in Charlotte. He’s one of the most talented racing drivers out there, and it’s a privilege to do this again with Mr. Hendrick and Jeff Gordon, who are both world-class. We can’t wait for May.”