“We’re still the only guy who’s completed all 1,100 miles of Double Duty, which is something I’m really proud of. I think the best two finishes we had was sixth in the 500 and third in the 600. It makes for a very, very long day.” These are the words of Tony Stewart, the only man, mortal or divine, to finish the ‘Double Duty’ successfully. In 2001, in his second attempt, Smoke proved that it was possible to finish both races, inspiring generations to come. Robbie Gordon had tried it 5 times and had never succeeded. And Kyle Larson cannot get his eyes off this feat.

The Hendrick Motorsports #5 understands the perseverance it takes. In a true display of endurance and versatility, he attempted the Double, running the 500 at Indianapolis and the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte on the same day. However, with the latest Indianapolis rule change allowing replacement drivers in the Indy 500, the fairytale could be rewriting itself mid-chapter. The penalty for a rain delay may not be just a rescheduled flight, but watching someone else take the wheel in your place!

Rain, rules, and the high-stakes Double

Larson’s ambition of running both races in a day came to an end in 2024, not by fatigue or broken machinery, but due to a weather delay at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Apparently, the rain gods had other plans, pushing the Indy 500 start into direct conflict with the Coca-Cola 600. Larson was held in a possible logistical chaos, arriving rather late in Charlotte. By the time he landed, Justin Allgaier had already taken his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. 

However, he remains focused this year. “I mean, really, I just want to be able to run both races. That’s what’s most important to me,” he said in a press conference. Remembering last year’s almost-there attempt, Kyle Larson said: “I felt like last year went really, really good… we were probably going to finish fourth to seventh or eighth, and I would have taken that.”

There’s a taste of regret and unfinished business. “I feel like we would have had a really good shot to win the Cup race last year,” Larson added, seemingly thirsting for redemption. But as it’s been before, it really comes down to things no driver can control.  “I just look forward to it. Hopefully, the weather cooperates.” But he should also keep in mind what happened to him because he missed the NASCAR race.

The repercussions did not end with a missed green flag in 2024. Questions arose as to Yung Money’s eligibility for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, since missing a points-paying race usually disqualifies a driver from consideration in the postseason. After almost a week of deliberation over the issue, NASCAR gave Larson a waiver for the playoffs, confirmed by Elton Sawyer, Senior VP of Competition at NASCAR. “After a weeklong discussion amongst executives, we felt it was right,” Sawyer said, stressing the unusual series of events surrounding the ruling. Had NASCAR ruled otherwise, rain would have derailed Larson’s entire season. 

This year’s stakes are raised, and even more so, the regulations are torturous. According to ESPN, IndyCar has announced that teams can replace a driver mid-race if that driver has to leave for another commitment. On the one hand, it seems logical, but this change also creates the possibility that Larson could lose his seat at the Indy 500 if, once again, the weather disrupts the schedule. But, what is Kyle Larson exactly looking at?

Trending

1

Embarrassment for Joe Gibbs Racing as Early Leak Leaves NASCAR Fans Gutted

2

NASCAR Rumor: Rick Hendrick Pulls Away Toyota Prospect As Dale Earnhardt Jr. Lets Slip Major Xfinity Update

3

NASCAR’s Nearly $40 Billion Sponsor Sends Chilling Warning to the USA Over President Trump’s New Policies

4

NASCAR Fans Confused as Kyle Larson’s Insanity Forces Roger Penske to Bring the “Larson” Rule to IndyCar

5

Kevin Harvick Opens His Door For NASCAR’s Next Female Driver Switching Up her Career After Nearly 10 Years

How does Larson’s 2025 Double Duty look?

Larson may have staked his claim on May 25, but it is easy to see that the new substitution rule has a series of cascading effects in IndyCar and NASCAR. Future Double hopefuls get the message: All that training, preparation, and media buildup go out the window at the blip of a storm front. Either the gray clouds are with you or your seat is not. 

This historic feat seems to be at stake now. It challenges physical and mental strength, but perhaps it is now more about logistics and rule loopholes. For now, Larson is the last face of that fading dream. With calm strength, he offers the motto: Adjust, survive, and race on the green. 

But will he be successful in finishing both races? And, the bigger question is, if he has to leave a race mid-way, and his Indy car crosses the finish line, will it still be his win? Let us know in the comments below.