'Double isn't worth it', says Larson after 2025 attempt ends in disaster

Indycar Racing News

Two crashes left Kyle Larson's hopes of completing the Indy 500 and Coca Cola 600 double in tatters — but did he even stand a chance in the first place?

Kyle Larson caught up in crash in 2025 Coca Cola 600

Larson's Sunday ended in a second wreck at Charlotte

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Author

Dominic Tobin

Kyle Larson’s bid to complete the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day ended in two wrecked cars and a second consecutive year of agony, as the 2021 NASCAR Cup Champion appeared to admit defeat in his attempt at the historic double.

In his second run at the gruelling challenge, involving 1100 racing miles and a breakneck transfer between Indianapolis and Charlotte, Larson first crashed out of the Indy 500 after losing control at a restart and was then hit in the NASCAR race, leaving him once more walking away as the racing went on.

It follows last year’s bid, which was derailed after a four-hour rain delay at Indianapolis meant that he missed the start of the Coca-Cola 600.

“What I’m feeling at the end of the night feels very similar,” said Larson. “Just very bummed and sad about how it all went. Just wasn’t meant to be, I guess.”

In reality, Larson’s bid looks to have failed before it even started after the start of the Indy 500 was again pushed back due to rain. Although this year’s delay was only 45 minutes, with a race start time of 1.29pm Eastern Time, it looked to have made Larson’s tight schedule impossible.

It appeared likely that he would have to retire before the end of the race in order to leave the circuit just after 4pm and reach Charlotte for the start of the 600 — a requirement to remain in championship contention.

“The Double is just a tough undertaking,” said Larson after retiring at Charlotte. “I think the window of time is too tight. Even if I didn’t wreck [in the Indy 500], I don’t think I would have made it here in time and probably would have had to end that race short anyway.”

“I just don’t really think it’s worth it, but I would love to run the Indy 500 again. Just doing the Double, I think, is just logistically too tough.”

2025 Indy 500 crash that forced Kyle Larson into retirement

Larson lost control of his Arrow McLaren (centre) in a restart crash that also took out two other cars

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After months of preparation, Larson’s double day spiralled out of control just after midday when the Indy 500 start was delayed.

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With a series of early cautions in the race, he will have been aware that his chances of completing the race were diminishing. A pitstop stall cost him time, and he then made an error on the lap 91 restart when he downshifted into Turn 2 and lost the rear, spinning into the wall and tagging Kyffin Simpson who also crashed out. Sting Ray Robb took avoiding action and also lost control.

“I got loose and just kind of got all over the place,” Larson said “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.”

His prospects looked more hopeful at Charlotte where he started on the front row after a more leisurely transfer than anticipated. But Larson spun off on lap 42 and had to pit for repairs. He was then hit and taken out of the race after returning to the track.

It leaves Tony Stewart as the only driver to have completed all 1100 miles of the double on the same day.

 

“I just hate the way that the day went. I wish I could just hit reset and try again tomorrow, but the reality is that’s not gonna happen.”

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