Kyle Larson spent Wednesday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, driving the No. 17 Arrow McLaren Racing Chevrolet for the second consecutive day as he prepared for the upcoming Indy 500 on May 25. After a clean and productive day of testing, Larson expressed a strong desire for more NASCAR Cup Series drivers to venture into IndyCar racing, highlighting the shrinking differences between the two types of cars, especially with the Next Gen model.
Larson emphasized how the evolution of NASCAR’s Next Gen car has brought it closer to IndyCar in terms of feel and performance.
he said. His insight suggests that the once large gap between the two racing disciplines is not as wide as many might believe.
He further explained,
Larson’s passion for the sport and eagerness to see fellow drivers expand their horizons underline the growing kinship between the racing formats.
During Wednesday’s session, Larson completed an impressive 103 laps, reaching a top speed of 223.985 mph, surpassing his performance from the previous day’s practice. Preparation continues with a planned six-hour session on Thursday, allowing him more time to fine-tune his skills in the Indy car. Last year, Larson qualified fifth for the Indy 500, and this year’s qualifying rounds will unfold over Saturday and Sunday to finalize the starting grid.
While Larson’s enthusiasm for IndyCar is clear, some of his NASCAR peers remain hesitant. Defending NASCAR Cup champion Joey Logano, present at the Indianapolis track as a guest of Team Penske during practice, was impressed by Larson’s adaptability. Logano called him “a freak” for mastering multiple types of race cars with such ease. Despite his admiration, Logano firmly dismissed any intentions of crossing over himself.
He explained,
Logano did, however, find value in discussing the technical aspects with Larson, noting,
The narrowing gap between NASCAR and IndyCar presents exciting new possibilities for drivers and fans alike, but Larson’s upcoming Indy 500 challenge will remain demanding. Last year, his attempt at completing the grueling “Double Duty”—racing both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—was cut short due to severe weather conditions. This year, Larson aims to finish both legendary races from start to finish, hoping to make history in what would be a remarkable feat of skill and endurance.
Kyle Larson’s push for NASCAR drivers to explore IndyCar racing not only highlights the improved similarity between the two forces in motorsports but also reflects a broader trend of racers seeking to broaden their horizons. If more Cup drivers decide to follow Larson’s lead, it could redefine competitive boundaries and bring new excitement to both racing worlds in the near future.
