There’s nothing quite like the pre-race buzz at a NASCAR crown jewel—especially at the Coca-Cola 600. Between the roar of the jet flyovers, parachute jumps, and stirring tributes to fallen service members, it’s more than just a race; it’s a full-on Memorial Day weekend spectacle. Fans at Charlotte Motor Speedway will witness everything from swearing-in ceremonies for new military recruits to the 600 Miles of Remembrance, where each car bears the name of a fallen hero.
However, while all eyes are usually on the pageantry and precision of race-day traditions, this year, one headline-grabbing exception is stealing some of that spotlight. It’s not about the pre-race military salute or who nails the National Anthem. It’s about who might not be there, at least not in time. That’s right. One of NASCAR’s biggest stars, Kyle Larson, has been granted a rare green light to skip some of Sunday’s formalities, as he is pursuing racing immortality.
Kyle Larson’s ‘Double Duty’ just got a green light from NASCAR
Kyle Larson is chasing greatness yet again. For the second year in a row, the Hendrick Motorsports driver is pulling off “The Double,” racing in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. It’s an ambitious feat. Only a few drivers in history have even attempted it. If all goes to plan, Larson will run 1,100 miles in one day. 500 at Indy, 600 at Charlotte, becoming only the second man after Tony Stewart to do so, and that is his goal heading into his second attempt, as Larson said earlier this week, “My first goal is to finish all the laps in both races, here’s only been one other guy.” However, in his quest for greatness, he will have to miss out on the pre-race festivities that up the ante for the prestigious Coca-Cola 600, which is usually frowned upon.
The Indy 500 starts at 12:45 p.m. ET. A typical Indy 500 race lasts just under three hours. The fastest race record? Hélio Castroneves in 2021 with a finishing time of 2:37:19. Then, the Coca-Cola 600 (main event) starts at 6:00 p.m. That leaves a very tight window for Larson to fly from Indianapolis to Charlotte for the pre-race activities like the driver introductions and meetings. And that’s assuming Kyle Larson faces no delays from weather or red flags at the Indianapolis circuit.
So what happens if he’s late? Normally, a driver who misses the pre-race meeting or driver introductions is sent to the rear of the field. It’s standard NASCAR procedure. Just ask Tony Stewart; he had to start at the back of the Coca-Cola 600 in 2001 after his top-10 finish at Indy for that very reason. But penalties won’t take center stage this time. NASCAR has made an exception. Kyle Larson will not be penalized if he misses the meeting or intros.
He will keep his starting position no matter what. It’s a rare move, and it has people talking. The reasoning? NASCAR is likely showing support for Larson’s attempt to bring attention to both races. Promoting The Double makes good business sense. Two iconic races. One superstar. One storyline to hook fans across motorsports. However, while missing the driver intros is fine with NASCAR, missing the 600-mile race is not something Larson would even attempt to think of.
Kyle Larson is excused from drivers meeting and driver intros for the Cup race tomorrow. He won’t have to go to the rear if he misses either at Charlotte.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 24, 2025
As mentioned before, a rainy day ruined Kyle Larson‘s shot at the double last year, as he chose to wait in Indianapolis for the start of the Indy 500 while the Coca-Cola 600 was green-flagged on time. However, despite missing the initial laps and making it to Charlotte, rain followed him as well, ruining his shot at turning a single lap. NASCAR granted him a playoff waiver last year, but that would not be the case this year, with the updated rules stating that each driver must prioritize NASCAR over outside series, and Larson is taking that seriously, even if he were to win the Indy 500!
When asked by Nick Wright on First Things First if he would “get drenched in milk and hang out” after potentially winning the Indy 500, Larson chuckled but maintained that jetting back to Charlotte is his main priority, as he sees the bigger picture. “I absolutely would be leaving to go race. It’s obviously super cool if you have the chance to win the 500… but who else could say they’ve won both races?” Larson’s ambitions are sky high, and if he were to even get close to these aspirations, it would be a landmark day in motorsports.
For NASCAR, this is a once-in-a-generation kind of effort. But to critics, a rule is a rule. Making exceptions, even for a big name, blurs the line. But Kyle Larson’s journey could go down in history. And the decision to exempt him from starting at the rear could prove to be the edge he needs after a solid qualifying run for the Coca-Cola 600!
Larson’s front-row start sets the stage for a historic Double
Kyle Larson is set to start second in Sunday night’s Coca-Cola 600, securing a front-row position after a blistering qualifying lap of 29.552 seconds (182.729 mph). He was edged out by Chase Briscoe, who claimed the pole with a lap of 29.532 seconds (182.852 mph). Just 0.02 seconds separating Kyle Larson from the top qualifying position!
This marks Larson’s second front-row start in NASCAR’s longest race. He previously started on the pole in 2021 and went on to win the event. This strong qualifying performance is crucial as he attempts the grueling “Double” racing 1,100 miles across two iconic events in one day.
Earlier in the day, Kyle Larson will compete in the Indianapolis 500, starting 19th in his No. 17 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. After completing the 500-mile race, he will swiftly travel to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the 600-mile NASCAR event. In 2024, weather disruptions hindered his attempt, but forecasts for this year are favorable, giving him a solid shot at completing both races.
Larson’s front-row start at Charlotte not only positions him well for the race but also underscores his versatility and determination. With a strong showing at Indianapolis and a prime starting spot in the Coca-Cola 600, Larson is poised to make motorsports history.
Kyle Larson’s journey is more than just about stamina. It’s a test of timing, logistics, and elite performance across two motorsport disciplines. His team has meticulously planned every detail, from helicopters on standby to Justin Allgaier as a backup driver at Charlotte, just in case. With fans and media buzzing, all eyes will be on whether Larson can pull off the rare feat of the Double.
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