Kyle Larson wants to race the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the same day this year.
Only a handful of drivers have gone for this double feat in the past. Tony Stewart is one of them, and he believes Larson could do it since the challenge isn’t as tough now as it used to be.
Tony Stewart Downplays Kyle Larson’s Ambitious Racing Attempt
Stewart recently voiced his confidence in Larson, saying he has what it takes to conquer one of motorsport’s toughest challenges. Larson is set to take on the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 double for the second straight year, hoping for better luck this time.
Just five drivers — Stewart, John Andretti, Robby Gordon, Kurt Busch, and Larson — have attempted “The Double.” Stewart remains the first one to complete the whole 1,100-mile challenge, which he accomplished in 2001.
On his first attempt, though, the three-time NASCAR Cup Series winner was unable to overcome the difficulty of the task. Stewart tried again in the 2001 Memorial Day Weekend after coming 10 laps short in 1999.
Stewart was the first driver to finish all 1,100 miles of Double Duty in a single day, driving for Chip Ganassi in the Indy 500 and Joe Gibbs Racing in the Coca-Cola 600. He is also the only one to this day who has completed this challenge.
With a P6 finish at the Indy 500 and P3 at the Coca-Cola 600, it was a near-flawless performance and a grueling test of mind and body.
Appearing on “Rubbin’ is Racing,” Stewart weighed in on Larson’s chances of completing both races on May 25.
“I think Kyle has got to … the feat of all 1100 miles, Kyle should be able to do that, no problem. That’s not as hard as it used to be,” Stewart claimed.
Then, the former Joe Gibbs Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing ace explained why he believes the challenge has become easier.
“Back in the day, you know, when Robby Gordon did it, and John Andretti did it, you know Kurt Busch has done it once, the reliability of the Indy cars wasn’t as good, the reliability of the stock cars wasn’t as good.
“So, the 1100 miles, he should be able to do it. What Kyle is shooting for is to break finishing sixth or better in the 500, and third or better in the 600, which is doable, very doable. He can accomplish that.
“He’s the type of guy and the type of talent that if he doesn’t make any mistakes at Indy. I mean, you think about last year, he was in a good position to have a solid finish. And it was all on speeding on, getting on pit road.
“You can practice that on practice days, and this and that, but when you get to race day, that atmosphere at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is totally different,” he concluded.