Kyle Larson, affectionately known as ‘Yung Money,’ is making significant strides toward his long-anticipated return to the Indianapolis 500. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion has long harbored ambitions of competing in the legendary Memorial Day Weekend double, a grueling feat that includes both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600.
Though Larson has yet to achieve this prestigious goal, his efforts to make it a reality have been gaining momentum in recent months. As of 2024, the Hendrick Motorsports driver has expressed optimism that his participation in the Indy 500 is “progressing,” marking a potential turning point in his career.
Competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day is one of the most challenging accomplishments in motorsports. It requires a driver to not only master the open-wheel racing style of IndyCar but also endure 1,100 miles of racing across two of the biggest events in the sport.
Larson, whose racing talent has shone across multiple series—including NASCAR, dirt track racing, and sprint cars—has long been viewed as the perfect candidate to attempt this demanding double. However, logistical challenges, scheduling conflicts, and finding the right team alignment have delayed his Indy 500 debut.
Despite the obstacles, Larson’s commitment to running the Indy 500 has been unwavering. Recent reports from his camp suggest that negotiations with teams, sponsors, and race organizers are “progressing” toward making his participation a reality.
While specific details remain under wraps, Larson hinted that discussions with established IndyCar teams are moving in a positive direction. “It’s always been a dream of mine to run the Indy 500, and we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make it happen,” Larson said during an interview in August 2024. “I feel like we’re getting closer, and hopefully, we’ll have some news to share soon.”
His pursuit has been buoyed by the support of his current NASCAR team, Hendrick Motorsports, which has played a crucial role in helping him explore opportunities in other motorsports disciplines.
If Larson successfully competes in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600, he will join an elite group of drivers who have attempted the Memorial Day double, including legends like Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon, and Kurt Busch. Stewart remains the only driver to complete all 1,100 miles of the two races in one day, setting a benchmark that few have matched.
For Larson, the challenge lies not only in the endurance required to race for nearly 10 hours but also in the mental toughness needed to switch between two vastly different types of cars and tracks. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s unique layout and the open-wheel nature of IndyCar are a far cry from the stock cars and oval tracks of NASCAR.
Though an official announcement about Larson’s Indy 500 entry is yet to be made, fans and analysts alike are excited about the potential for the versatile driver to finally make his debut at the historic race. Larson has been one of the most dynamic and successful drivers of his generation, and his potential in IndyCar is something many are eager to see.
With the progress continuing behind the scenes, Kyle Larson’s dream of running the Memorial Day Weekend double is inching closer to reality. While the road to Indy is challenging, Larson’s talent and determination make him a strong contender to etch his name in motorsport history.
For now, the motorsport world waits in anticipation, hopeful that ‘Yung Money’ will soon get his shot at the iconic Indianapolis 500.
