Kyle Larson’s Double attempt was the only thing on every NASCAR stakeholder’s mind as Memorial Day weekend arrived. The #5 HMS driver had proven his ability to juggle his Cup Series duties with the Indy 500 after he brought home a top-five finish at North Wilkesboro. Taking over from Kevin Harvick just before the All-Star Race, Larson set high expectations for his attempt at the Indy 500 Coca-Cola 600 Double.
Unfortunately, the multi-disciplinary star wasn’t able to fulfill his 1100-mile mission, owing to the storm system over Indianapolis and Charlotte. With his spot in the playoffs now at risk, fans are heavily debating if Kyle Larson deserves a waiver for prioritizing the Indy 500 over NASCAR’s crown jewel. But just when all seemed lost, Larson’s All-Star substitute jumped to his defense.
Kevin Harvick believes Kyle Larson shouldn’t be too harsh on himself
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Ahead of the 2024 edition of the Greatest Day in American Motorsports, Kyle Larson faced a major dilemma. With a freak storm system predicted to impact both races on Sunday, would the HMS driver be able to complete both, or would he need to choose between one? Whilst Larson prayed to the weather gods to be merciful, his wishes went unanswered. Although Larson was able to start the 2024 Indy 500 after a weather delay, his choice to prioritize the Indy Car event meant that he would miss out on the Coca-Cola 600.
Despite making it back in time to run the remaining laps of NASCAR’s crown jewel, NASCAR’s decision to call off the race after 249 laps meant his chances at the Double were over. Naturally, this left the #5 Hendrick Motorsports driver utterly distraught. That being said, Kevin Harvick, who had stepped in for Larson at the All-Star practice and qualifying, tried to shift the focus to the positives.
The FOX Analyst shared on Harvick’s Happy Hour, “I just feel bad for Kyle because it sounds like he didn’t have any fun. I think he took the burden upon himself to go out and perform and do all the things he was going to naturally do. I know he had that burden, but it just seems like he was much more vocal about the pressure that was on himself and the things that he was feeling than he usually is. But I think Kyle Larson is Kyle Larson man.”
According to Harvick, Larson had done his best to maximize an otherwise uncontrollable weekend. With his speeding penalty in the Indy 500, Larson was still able to finish one of motorsport’s toughest races. The only thing out of his control was Mother Nature. Something we all must bow down to.
Harvick added, “You’re going to make some mistakes here and there. Nobody around you is going to think any different. You’re already doing things that are just out of this world spectacular. Jumping in an Indycar, never wrecked it, ran in the front of the pack, had an opportunity to show his talents, just doing what he did – showing up.”
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For the former RCR and SHR star, Kyle Larson had done everything he could with the hand he was dealt. Had it not been for the weather and his minute error in Indy, the #5 driver would have had a stellar weekend. That being said, Harvick also felt the need to remind Larson of his positive influence.
Harvick highlights Kyle Larson’s underrated impact on American motorsport
Although Kyle Larson may have failed to complete the Double successfully, one aspect of his campaign was wildly successful. With the #5 HMS driver generating major hype for both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600, TV ratings were raised through the roof. According to IndyStar, this year’s Indy 500 averaged 5.344 million viewers, nearly half a million more than 2023’s 4.927 million. Similarly, the All-Star race ratings also skyrocketed, achieving a staggering 2.57 million viewers on Fox Sports 1, the best rating since 2021.
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In an attempt to lighten the mood, Kevin Harvick felt the need to bring these numbers to Kyle Larson’s attention. The veteran stated, “When you look at the TV ratings from the All-Star Race when you look at the TV ratings for the Indy500, you see the effect Kyle Larson has on people and viewership because of the things that he was doing. And I hope Kyle realizes the impact he has on people. I know he’s down on himself for making the mistake and all the things that happened with the weather.”
At the end of the day, Kyle Larson’s attempt at the Double was enough to create ripple effects for both NASCAR and IndyCar viewership. With Harvick believing the HMS driver should take this statistic as a major win, do you think we’ll witness Larson attempting the Double again soon?