While race car drivers’ daily schedules might not be as hectic as those of athletes from other sports, they are heavily taxing in other ways.
For instance, drivers racing full-time in the Cup Series have jam-packed schedules filled with practice, pre-race study, and team coordination throughout the calendar year. Although when it comes to physical fitness, NASCAR is not as strict as some of the motorsports formats, it demands just as much mental toughness.
Besides, if a racer is running in multiple competitions throughout the year, it can be quite challenging for them.
This year, Kyle Larson certainly has one of the tightest schedules as a driver, and right after his Indy 500 qualifying race, the driver revealed his travel plans.
Where is Kyle Larson Headed After the Qualifying Race at Indianapolis?
In his second time driving in the Indy500, Larson attempted the qualifying twice. Unlike NASCAR, IndyCar drivers can opt for multiple attempts in order to secure better starting spots.
In his first attempt, Larson averaged a speed of 230.053 mph in four laps and stood 16th out of 17 cars that opted for another qualifying run.
In hopes of landing a better spot, Larson chose to give it another shot. In his second run, his four-lap average speed soared to 231.326 mph.
Although the first attempt score would have guaranteed a starting spot too, his re-attempt gave him the 21st starting position, whereas, with his previous numbers, he would have had to settle for the 29th place.
As for the top spot, Alex Palou has the pole for the race with an average speed of 233.043 mph, followed by Scott McLaughlin, who managed 233.013 mph.
While Larson was by no means slow, but as compared to his debut year, he ranked significantly behind. In his 2024 qualifying race for the Indy 500, Larson clinched the 5th starting spot.
In the race, Larson led four laps from lap 180 onwards and finished in the 18th position. Larson could have finished in a better spot if it weren’t for his speeding penalty on lap 184.
After his qualifying race this year, Larson briefly spoke to motorsports reporter Bob Pockrass and revealed his plans. When Pockrass asked him if he was immediately leaving for Wilkesboro, he said:
“No, I think we’re gonna end up just staying the night. Get some dinner, some sleep, and head there mid-morning, probably.”
Kyle Larson on staying in Indy tonight before heading to North Wilkesboro mid-morning tomorrow. And he did call into the team debrief. He'll have to start the all-star race from the rear of the field Sunday night. @IndyCarOnFOX @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/sCMV5dtJcy
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass)
Pockrass also enquired if Larson got a chance to have a word with his No. 5 crew chief, Cliff Daniels. Larson clarified, saying that although he had attended the team debrief and was up to date with what was going on, he was focused on his Indy 500 qualifying race.
In the end, he also added, “Now, I’ll probably get in touch with Cliff and good things from his perspective.”
After winning his previous NASCAR race at Kansas in his signature dominant style, Larson is now headed for ‘The Double’. Seeing his current form, he has a fairly good shot at securing impressive finishes in both competitions.