For the second straight year, Kyle Larson is aiming to make motorsports history by attempting “The Double”—racing both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. It’s a rare feat that only a handful of drivers have even tried, and with both races scheduled for May 25, Larson’s challenge hinges on good weather and even better timing. If anything gets in the way—especially rain delays—Arrow McLaren already has a plan in place. That plan? Tony Kanaan.
The 2013 Indy 500 winner, who officially retired from IndyCar racing in 2023, has positioned himself as the backup for Larson should the NASCAR champion be called back to Charlotte before the green flag drops in Indy. Kanaan, now team principal at Arrow McLaren, took to the track for a refresher course on Day 3 of Indy 500 practice just to be ready—just in case.
Kanaan Rules Out Return
Kanaan, 50, hasn’t raced in an IndyCar since his retirement, but you wouldn’t know it from his smile as he stepped out of the No. 17 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet—Larson’s car—after a 30-lap session.
“I came down pit lane after my warm-up lap and thought, ‘I had the coolest job in the world for 26 years,’” Kanaan told reporters at IMS. “I’m just going to have to control myself for 30 laps.”
The veteran’s refresher session required him to run 15 laps between 210 and 215 mph, followed by another 15 laps above 215 mph. Though he joked about having a “tickle in his belly” and the temptation to race again, he quickly shut down any rumors of a comeback.
“After that? There’s not one thing that would make me want to do it again,” Kanaan said, half-laughing. “I think I’d have to change homes. My wife would divorce me for sure.”
No Comeback—Just Commitment
Kanaan’s presence behind the wheel sparked curiosity across the paddock. While the official line was that he was completing IndyCar’s veteran refresher requirements, some observers speculated that there could be a performance advantage. But Kanaan was quick to downplay any notion of testing setups or trying to improve the car.
“We tried to be fair and do what IndyCar asked,” he said. “The only thing we changed was moving the steering wheel a little closer. That was it. We weren’t experimenting.”
As for how the car felt, Kanaan was impressed—but he wasn’t interested in hearing any complaints.
“I don’t want to hear it. It feels good to me,” he said with a grin. “Now they’re in trouble if they complain. They probably didn’t want me in the car!”
Learning the Hybrid System
One unique element of this year’s Indianapolis 500 is the introduction of IndyCar’s hybrid technology. Kanaan’s laps gave him firsthand experience with the system—an area of curiosity for many drivers and fans alike.
“I truly didn’t think it was any different,” he admitted. “Maybe if I ran in traffic I’d feel something. But by myself, it just felt like an IndyCar. I knew we had a decent car going in, and honestly, it felt good.”
Though it may have lacked a distinct sensation for the driver, Kanaan appreciated the opportunity to better understand what his team and driver will be dealing with on race day.
Only If Kyle Larson Can’t Make It
The backup driver scenario is strictly conditional. Larson, who is also chasing a NASCAR Cup Series title, has made it clear that the Coca-Cola 600 is his top priority. Even with a NASCAR playoff waiver now in place, missing Charlotte entirely could have major consequences for Larson’s championship hopes.
Kanaan understands his role. If weather causes a delay in Indianapolis and Larson has to leave early, then—and only then—will the longtime fan favorite strap in and compete.
“I’m doing my duties as team principal until they need me on Saturday night,” Kanaan said. “I’ve stayed in shape. I think I can wake up, switch, and go. I’ll probably be dead after the race—it’ll take me 15 days to recover because I’m old!”
Still, he’s not letting the situation weigh him down. His focus remains squarely on supporting Arrow McLaren, their sponsors, and the overall operation at Indy.
“I’m the team principal. I’m here for the partners, for our commitments. I won’t even think about the race until Sunday morning,” he added. “If it rains, I’ll drink a little more water and go. But that’s it.”
