Kyle Larson attempts The Double in 2025 by aiming to complete the grueling challenge of racing both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, covering a total of 1,100 miles at two different tracks in separate states. After falling short due to weather disruptions in 2024, Larson will begin the Indy 500 from 19th position and hopes to finish both events Sunday to join an elite group of drivers who have achieved this feat.
Understanding the Challenge of Completing The Double
The Double involves driving the entire Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, starting close to 12:45 p.m. EST, then traveling hundreds of miles to Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina to race in NASCAR’s longest event, the Coca-Cola 600, which concludes late at night. This test demands exceptional endurance and skill, as drivers switch between open-wheel IndyCars and stock cars, two very different machines, within hours and across states.
Only four drivers have attempted this on the same day, with only one fully completing all 1,100 miles: Tony Stewart. Larson’s 2024 attempt was thwarted when rain delayed both races, cutting short the Coca-Cola 600 before he could take over from Justin Allgaier. In 2025, Larson prepares for a second try to secure his place among the few who have achieved the Double.
John Andretti: The Pioneer of The Double
John Andretti was the first driver to successfully compete in the Double back in 1994, overcoming previous NASCAR efforts that ended in weather interruptions or missed qualifications. At that time, Andretti was a full-time NASCAR competitor but also brought open-wheel experience to the Indy 500, where he finished a strong tenth.
Andretti then rushed to Charlotte and started the Coca-Cola 600 from the back of the pack. Despite suffering an early crash, he persisted until his car failed after completing 220 of the 400 laps in the race. His effort established the foundation for what has since become one of motorsports’ most demanding challenges.
Robby Gordon’s Multiple Takes on the Indy-Charlotte Double
Robby Gordon holds the record for the most attempts at the Indy-Charlotte Double, trying five times between 1997 and 2004. Various weather delays and reschedules often frustrated his plans, including 1997’s Indy 500 pushing into the following week and 2000’s start of the Coke 600 being delayed enough for Gordon to miss the race start.
Despite these setbacks, Gordon’s first full Double completion came in 2002, where he finished eighth at Indy and 16th at Charlotte, narrowly missing completing all 1,100 miles by about 1.5 miles. He achieved the Double again in 2003, although rain shortened the Coke 600.
In 2004, Gordon once more faced weather complications. He left the Indy 500 mid-race to make the Charlotte start, with Jaques Lazier taking over his car at Indianapolis. Since Gordon began the race, he received official credit for its result.
Tony Stewart: The Sole Driver to Complete Every Mile of The Double
Tony Stewart is recognized as the only driver to have fully completed both races of the Double in the same day, totaling all 600 laps at the Coca-Cola 600 and 1,100 miles of competition at Indianapolis and Charlotte combined. Stewart made his attempts in 1999 and 2001.
In his first try in 1999, Stewart finished ninth at the Indy 500 and fourth at Charlotte, although he was four laps down in the first race, which prevented him from covering the full distance. His 2001 effort for Chip Ganassi Racing at Indy yielded a sixth-place finish, followed by a third-place NASCAR finish for Joe Gibbs Racing in Charlotte.
This 2001 performance remains the best among all drivers who have attempted The Double, solidifying Stewart’s legacy in both open-wheel and stock car racing.
Kurt Busch’s 2014 Attempt and the Continuing Appeal of The Double
The most recent successful completion of The Double was by Kurt Busch in 2014. Despite suffering a practice crash, the then-rookie was named Indy 500 Rookie of the Year after finishing sixth. However, mechanical problems in the Coca-Cola 600 forced him out after 271 laps, ending his chance to complete the full 1,100 miles.
Kurt Busch remains an important figure in this challenge, and since his attempt, other notable drivers including his brother Kyle Busch and seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson have shown interest. Kyle Larson’s close call in 2024 and renewed attempt in 2025 exemplify the enduring allure and difficulty of The Double.
The Road Ahead for Kyle Larson and The Double’s Legacy
Kyle Larson’s determination to finish both races on the same day highlights his versatility and endurance as a driver competing at the highest levels in both IndyCar and NASCAR. If successful, Larson will join the storied group of John Andretti, Robby Gordon, Kurt Busch, and Tony Stewart who have completed The Double. This achievement not only pushes the limits of physical and mental stamina but also bridges motorsport disciplines, showcasing a unique commitment to racing excellence.
With Larson starting 19th at the Indy 500, fans will watch closely to see if he can overcome challenges that weather and logistics present, bringing fresh attention to one of motorsport’s most demanding and prestigious tests.
