Published 01/13/2023, 5:45 AM EST
The decade began not too far back but it has been an eventful decade – especially for Kyle Larson. From being banned in 2020, to spectacularly coming back in 2021 and winning the Cup Series in the most amazing fashion. But that was followed up with a disappointing 2022 season. What’s next for the Hendrick Motorsports driver?
With the Cup Series yet to start, one would’ve thought Larson would be enjoying his time off in the off-season. But that’s not the case for the driver, as even before the season has fully begun, he has been embroiled in controversy.
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A hectic 2023 – Hendrick Motorsports will be busy
Keeping that aside, his 2023 season is a crucial one. On one hand, he would like to make a return to winning ways (especially after the team highlighted issues with consistency). But on the other, he is very ambitious and has planned for a jam-packed racing schedule.
However, fans found a slight issue with the schedule that Larson has in 2023 – the Indianapolis 500, or the Indy 500. The historic Memorial Day race has long been frequented by NASCAR drivers and there seems to have been an expectation that Larson would join the list in 2023.
But 2023 is not going to be that year, after a release from HMS revealed his participation at the event in 2024. A puzzled fan asked veteran journalist, Bob Pockrass, why that was the case.
Pockrass explained, “Not many Chevy rides still available for Indy 500 and this gives them time to make sure Larson and everyone does it right (Hendrick is putting a lot of focus on Le Mans this year). Plus this year would be tough with potential qualifying and the all-star race around the same time.”
Again, the reference seems to be to the packed schedule and an attempt to have a better year in comparison to 2022 where the best finish for the team came through Chase Elliott in 4th place.
Kyle Larson and 2024 – what’s the plan?
The ‘postponement’ of Larson’s participation in the Indy 500 is not to be taken in a negative way. HMS, as per their release, is going to be in full support of Larson for his participation. Moreso, they will be attempting another major feat that year.
WATKINS GLEN, NEW YORK – AUGUST 21: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 21, 2022 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
The Double, i.e. participating and completing the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, is a feat that only Tony Stewart has achieved, but many have tried their hand at it. Larson will join that list soon.
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NBC reported Larson: “Competing at the Indianapolis 500 is a dream of mine and something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time — since I was a child before I ever began competing in sprint cars.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and am really looking forward to it even though it’s still about a year and a half away. I’m really looking forward to competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 and maybe even get a win or two that day.”
Hendrick will be sponsoring the car. The team stated “Having the opportunity to support Kyle, partner with an elite team like Arrow McLaren and promote HendrickCars.com in one of the world’s great auto racing events is truly unique. … We’re 100% committed to doing it right and look forward to working with (McLaren).”
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Attempting to do the Double will be a massive task – but if there’s any team that can pull off, it’s probably Hendrick.