Kyle Larson will get one other probability on the Indianapolis 500 after Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports made a joint announcement at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Tuesday afternoon.
The 32-year-old California native will full a four-car lineup for Arrow McLaren within the Indy 500, alongside Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel and newcomer Christian Lundgaard, who replaces Alexander Rossi subsequent yr.
Larson’s first try at “The Double” – the Indianapolis 500 and 600-mile NASCAR Cup Collection spherical at Charlotte Motor Speedway – on Memorial Day weekend occurred this yr, which was derailed by rain. The Indy 500 noticed him qualifying fifth after setting a single-lap rookie qualifying report at 233.543 mph earlier than a pit lane dashing violation hindered probabilities of victory and relegated him to an 18th-place outcome. Even nonetheless, he received Rookie of the Yr honors for “The Biggest Spectacle in Racing”. The rain delay left him unable to complete the nightcap in Charlotte.
“I actually loved the month of Might in Indy and racing with Arrow McLaren, however I used to be actually dissatisfied with lacking the Coca-Cola 600 with the No. 5 HendrickCars.com crew,” Larson mentioned.
“I respect the second alternative as a result of we now have unfinished enterprise. I actually wish to full all 1100 miles, and I believe we now have the chance to battle for the win in each occasions.”
Kyle Larson, Arrow McLaren/Rick Hendrick Chevrolet
Picture by: Josh Tons / Motorsport Pictures
Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Collection champion, will as soon as once more reprise the No. 17 for his IndyCar effort, with backing as soon as once more coming with HendrickCars.com as a part of what has been dubbed the #Hendrick1100.
“Kyle had an important month of Might and confirmed what a gifted race automobile driver he’s,” mentioned crew proprietor Rick Hendrick, whom Larson has pushed for within the Cup Collection since 2021.
“From a sponsorship perspective, we noticed an unbelievable elevate for HendrickCars.com and measured a three-to-one return on our funding. It was a monumental effort by all concerned, however we didn’t have the chance to see it by (due to inclement climate). Everybody discovered an important deal that we’ll take into subsequent yr. Now that we’ve skilled it as soon as, we all know what to anticipate, which might solely make us higher and extra ready. Zak (Brown, McLaren Racing CEO) and the crew at Arrow McLaren are super companions, and we’re wanting ahead to ending the job collectively in 2025.”
Larson is one in all 5 drivers all-time to try to run each crown jewel occasions, and third to make a number of efforts, becoming a member of Tony Stewart and Robby Gordon. None has earned a win in both race, and just one has accomplished all of the laps (Stewart in 2001).
“Kyle confirmed us all what he was able to this previous Might, and given a second probability with higher climate circumstances, I believe we’ll all be excited to see him struggle for a win on the Indy 500 after which one other one in Charlotte,” Brown mentioned.
“He’s some of the proficient racing drivers on the market, and it’s a privilege to do that once more with Mr. Hendrick and Jeff Gordon, who’re each world-class. We are able to’t look ahead to Might.”
