Published 01/14/2023, 6:15 AM EST
Versatility is one of the greatest virtues a racing driver can have. If a driver can drive well on different tracks and in different formats, it almost automatically puts him on the path to success. And in that aspect, Kyle Larson has been, arguably, the most versatile driver in recent times.
From winning the Chili Bowl Nationals (twice and consecutively) to the Knoxville Nationals. And how can anyone forget that 2021 Cup Series season that left everyone shocked and surprised? He has just been a force of nature.
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Kyle Larson gets his dream debut chance
That success and driving brilliance ensured one thing – it reassured Rick Hendrick of Larson’s ability to fulfill one of Hendrick’s dreams. “The Indy 500 is such a prestige event. I never thought I’d be there. I know it’s going to be special to walk out on the grid next year and be a part of it,” Mr. H said about the event.
Hendrick Motorsports has not been one of the teams that let its drivers join other Series – let alone support and sponsor them. But Larson has always been different, and that shows here too.
“To have new opportunities, new challenges – it fires Kyle up. And it’s good for the company. I don’t want him to get hurt, I don’t like to see him take unduly risks in other types of racing. But at the same time, I think it sharpens him up,” Hendrick told SiriusXM Radio.
Larson is very excited about the prospect, as reported by NBC. “It will be a tall task to go win it, but I think that’s why we’re trying to plan so far ahead. Adding my name to that winners list would add to my legacy. If I could win the Indy 500 at 31 and still have a lot of racing left to run, it would take a big step toward that.”
Although a full season away, Memorial Day 2024 will be something Larson will be waiting for very eagerly. Hopefully, he can make the most of the chance he has.
Why wait till 2024? What’s wrong with 2023?
After the announcement was made by Larson and Hendrick Motorsports, the first question that arose in fans’ heads was – why not in 2023?
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 07: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR Hall of Famer and team owner Rick Hendrick pose for photos after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 07, 2021 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
While Hendrick hasn’t offered an explicit reason for why 2024 was chosen, there can be multiple reasons for this. For starters, HMS has been making statements in recent days about the lack of consistency on the team.
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That, however, isn’t the only reason for pushing the Indy 500 participation to 2024. According to Bob Pockrass of FOX, “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.”
With Larson aiming to do the Double, this long waiting period will allow him to prepare for the difficulties he will face. As Tony Stewart narrated, it took a lot of work in the gym and nutrition-wise for him to achieve that feat. Maybe Larson can do something similar.
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Stewart remains to this date the only person to have successfully done the Double. But if there’s any pairing that can do it, it’s Larson and HMS. They have a really good chance at making history.