Jeff Gordon, a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, recently shared insights into Kyle Larson’s legacy and the reasons why he never pursued NASCAR’s daunting ‘The Double’ challenge. Speaking on May 25, 2025, Gordon acknowledged Larson’s exceptional versatility and commitment, while reflecting on his own career focus that steered him away from attempting to run both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. The ‘Double’ requires competing in 1,100 grueling miles across two major races, a feat which few drivers have completed.
From the outset, Gordon emphasized the emotional toll Larson faced after narrowly missing out on major titles, revealing his empathy for the pressure the younger driver endured.
“I saw the hurt on Kyle Larson’s face,”
Gordon said, describing how Larson was devastated after losing the regular series championship.
“I could feel him letting his team down,”
he added, capturing the deep sense of responsibility the star driver felt.
The Unique Career Paths of Jeff Gordon and Kyle Larson
Jeff Gordon’s motorsports career is marked by a concentrated dedication to the NASCAR Cup Series. Known for his precision, consistency, and deep connection with the No. 24 car, Gordon built his reputation on focusing on one vehicle and one team, mastering stock car racing in an era that brought NASCAR to new heights in popularity. He seldom ventured outside this realm, cementing his legacy within the sport’s top tier.
In contrast, Kyle Larson embraces a broader racing spectrum, excelling in various formats – from dirt Sprint cars to open-wheel races and top-level NASCAR events. Larson’s adaptability is exemplified by his pursuit of ‘The Double,’ a challenge requiring extraordinary skill and endurance. Tony Stewart remains the only driver to have successfully completed the Double, highlighting its rarity and difficulty. Larson’s attempts continue to push the boundaries of what NASCAR drivers will dare undertake.
Gordon respects this divergence in mindset and skill set.
“There aren’t many Kyle Larsons. I was always the type of driver where I was very laser-focused on one team, one car, one kind of goal and it’s just the way that my mindset, my efforts were,”
Gordon explained in a candid pre-race interview ahead of the Coca-Cola 600.
“There’s a reason why I didn’t go back and forth and run Sprint cars and midgets and other types of cars and it just wasn’t the thing that I did throughout my career, other than when I was trying to make it into NASCAR.”
Jeff Gordon’s Focused Approach and Racing Legacy
Before his dominance in NASCAR, Gordon gained a strong foundation in open-wheel racing, winning the USAC Silver Crown championship in 1991. However, his ultimate path was directed toward stock car racing, where he found his greatest success. Early days with Bill Davis Racing in the Busch Series led to multiple Cup championships and a celebrated career defined by specialization rather than spreading efforts across multiple racing disciplines.
Though he occasionally dabbled in sports car racing—including a third-place finish in the 2017 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona—and received offers to test European circuits, Gordon’s commitment consistently remained with NASCAR.
“I wanted to complete the USAC Championship and some of those efforts but once I got here, to me it was just all about this,”
he shared. He also admitted,
“It partly is because I didn’t think that I was as good at jumping in and out of cars, some guys are, just jumping from one team or one car to the next or even maybe getting the opportunity to get a quality enough car to do that.”
Gordon reminisced about opportunities early in his career, including an invitation from F1 legend Jackie Stewart to test in Europe, which he misunderstood in terms of the level of racing and eventually declined to pursue NASCAR commitments. This decision underscores how his single-track focus ultimately shaped his racing ethos.
Kyle Larson’s Ambition to Conquer ‘The Double’ Continued
Gordon expressed admiration for Larson’s ability to juggle multiple racing series with remarkable success.
“I admire the heck out of Kyle for what he is capable of doing, and he does is on such a regular basis, this doesn’t seem that abnormal. Where for me, not doing it would’ve been super stressful, and I don’t know if I would’ve been successful as he’s been. The only time it became a reality was the 100th anniversary, even then I didn’t put a whole lot of consideration,”
Gordon reflected.
This contrast highlights the mental shift required to take on ‘The Double.’ Gordon’s consistent mindset revolved around a singular focus on his NASCAR career, while Larson embraces the complexity and physical demands of switching vehicles and racing disciplines within a single day.
Now with Larson attempting ‘The Double’ for a second time, Gordon hopes the experience goes smoothly for him, understanding fully the challenge’s difficulty. Larson’s efforts symbolize a new chapter for NASCAR drivers willing to break traditional boundaries to showcase versatility and endurance.
Challenges and Adjustments in Larson’s Second Attempt at the Double
Larson’s first run at ‘The Double’ came with complications. Last year, piloting the No. 17 Arrow McLaren, he debuted at the Indianapolis 500 but missed the start of the Coca-Cola 600, causing frustration within NASCAR’s leadership. The sanctioning body initially withheld a playoff waiver due to this absence, reflecting concerns about drivers prioritizing rival series over NASCAR events. Weather disruptions also played a role in the tight scheduling and Larson’s timing.
Since then, NASCAR has adjusted its playoff waiver rules to offer more flexibility for drivers competing in multiple series, but with significant caveats. Missing a Cup Series race now means forfeiting all playoff points earned during the regular season, a major strategic disadvantage. Therefore, Larson must carefully weigh the potential gains of attempting the Double against the risk of losing crucial championship positioning. The message is clear: focus on NASCAR’s primary events unless circumstances allow otherwise.
Gordon addressed the logistical challenge in detail:
“So this time our goal is driver introductions. It’s a tight window regardless, wouldn’t mind, you know, I’d like to see Indianapolis like to start a little earlier and Charlotte start a little later, but so it’s a very tight window. But we have a concrete plan in place and so looking at whether other than just wanting to go smooth and wanting it to be a full race and great day off the right.”
The pressure is on for Larson to manage every element perfectly on race day, from travel to prep to performance, if he is to succeed in completing one of motorsports’ most grueling challenges.
The Broader Significance of Larson’s Dual Pursuit
Kyle Larson’s ongoing pursuit of ‘The Double’ challenge symbolizes both a personal quest and a broader evolution within NASCAR. His ability to compete at the highest levels of different racing disciplines on the same day showcases exceptional versatility and determination, pushing the sport’s competitive boundaries. As NASCAR continues to grow and adapt, Larson’s ambitions may inspire future drivers to diversify their skills beyond traditional single-series specialization.
Jeff Gordon’s reflections offer valuable perspective on the contrasting approaches between eras and personalities within racing. While Gordon built a legendary career through focused excellence, he openly respects Larson’s boldness and adaptability. This dynamic enriches NASCAR’s story and illustrates the different ways drivers can achieve greatness in motorsports.
As Larson prepares for his second attempt, fans and experts alike will watch closely to see if he can achieve what has eluded most: the historic completion of ‘The Double.’ Whether he succeeds or not, his effort contributes significantly to his legacy and elevates the stature of this formidable racing challenge.
