Last Sunday, Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports attempted the demanding Indy 500-Coke 600 double duty for the second time but crashed early at the Indianapolis 500, exiting the race prematurely. After consecutive setbacks this year, Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer and JR Motorsports co-owner, has recommended that Larson avoid trying the challenging double duty again, emphasizing the toll it takes on a driver’s performance.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Highlights the Challenges and Risks of Attempting the Double Duty
On his podcast, the Dale Jr. Download, Earnhardt Jr. expressed his concerns about Larson’s pursuit of completing the double duty, which involves racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. While Larson’s competitive spirit drives him to keep trying until he succeeds, Earnhardt Jr. believes the attempt demands too much physically and mentally, especially considering Larson’s main role in the NASCAR Cup Series.
“I don’t want him to do it again… To me? He hasn’t done The Double. He’s not going to be satisfied until he can get to the finish line with great results in both races. I’m sure that he feels like he didn’t even get close to accomplishing it. You know, he fell far short. So, there’s probably something in there, his competitiveness is probably saying, ‘I’m not satisfied. I’m going to do it again.’”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., via Dale Jr. Download podcast
Earnhardt Jr. detailed the strain that the double duty places on Larson, with a hectic race month overlapping between IndyCar’s prestigious event and multiple NASCAR Cup races. In Earnhardt Jr.’s view, the logistical demands create difficult decisions regarding priorities and performance, which ultimately detract from Larson’s focus on NASCAR, where his primary commitments lie.
“But the pure logistics of it? The month is a pain in the a**, between Indy and NASCAR. He’s still racing in other Cup races during that first part of the month. He’s still got his real job to do. He has to answer the questions, ‘Which race is more important? What matters more? What happens if this? What happens if that happens?’ It’s like man, it’s just not worth it.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Larson himself acknowledged the heavy demands of the double duty schedule and has considered focusing on the Indy 500 only in future years if his NASCAR schedule allows. Other NASCAR stars, including Kevin Harvick, have advised him similarly to prioritize one series to preserve performance and safety.
Earnhardt Jr. Believes Larson Could Have Won Coke 600 Without Indy 500 Fatigue
After crashing out early at Indianapolis, Larson shifted his focus to the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, hoping to make up for the missed opportunity. However, despite having a fast car, Larson crashed twice during the race and failed to finish, marking one of Hendrick Motorsports’ worst results of the weekend.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that Larson showed signs of being drained and not fully sharp during the Coca-Cola 600, which likely contributed to his inability to capitalize on his strong car. Earnhardt Jr. believes Larson’s efforts at the Indy 500 took a significant toll, missing a better chance at a win in Charlotte, where his teammate William Byron finished second.
“I felt like the dude got there and was smoked. He was absolutely flying in that car. And I think if he’s not at Indy — he busted his a** at the top of three and four, on the bumps. If he’s not at Indy, I think he’s more plugged in, tuned in, more sharp and self aware of all of the things he needs to be careful of and avoid to be able to win a 600 mile race at Charlotte.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Many experts in the racing community share Earnhardt Jr.’s viewpoint that attempting the grueling double duty puts drivers at a disadvantage, especially when competing at an elite level in both events on the same day. The consensus is that Larson would benefit from focusing exclusively on NASCAR races or targeting the Indy 500 in years with lighter NASCAR commitments.
The Future of Kyle Larson’s Double Duty Attempts Remains Uncertain
As the racing season progresses, the motorsports world will watch closely to see how Kyle Larson responds to these challenges and advice. Whether he chooses to continue chasing the legendary double or adjusts his schedule to concentrate on NASCAR, his decisions will impact both his performance and career longevity.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s warnings highlight the physical and mental cost of balancing two demanding top-tier races on the same day, and emphasize the importance of preserving focus and health. For Larson, deciding how to approach future Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 events will be critical as he aims to reach his full potential without risking injury or burnout.
