Kyle Larson Pushes Boundaries in Indy 500 Trial at Phoenix Raceway

Kyle Larson Pushes the Limits in Indy 500 Testing at Phoenix Raceway

NASCAR star and 2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson shocked everyone during extensive testing at Phoenix Raceway, where he nearly lost control of Arrow’s McLaren Chevrolet at nearly 180 mph. The test, which lasted more than four hours, is part of Larson’s preparation for his Indianapolis 500 debut in May.

“I was a little surprised,” Larson admitted Tuesday. “In the Indy car, I spun a bit, I lost my balance a bit in the corner, I hit the top. When I left the bottom the car started to slide. I was able to heal.”

The episode, while intense, is an integral part of Larson’s training as he adapts to the challenging open-wheel environment leading up to the big day of the Indianapolis 500. Larson is also scheduled to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race in Charlotte. same day in North Carolina.

If Larson completes both races, he will join an exclusive list of drivers who have accomplished the feat known as the “double,” including John Andretti, Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch. Stewart is the only person to have driven 1,100 miles in one day in 2001.

Larson used testing in Phoenix as a rookie to make the grade and walked into the night. In this intensive session, he changed five sets of tires, honed his pit entry and exit skills, and modified the car for the short and long races. The lessons are designed to give Larson a deeper understanding of the machine and optimize his performance on the big day.

The driver, who co-owns and races several sprint cars, emphasized the importance of these challenging tests. He compared the Indy car to the Cup Series car, emphasizing the similarities and suggesting a seamless transition between the two.

Hendrick Motorsports is supporting Larson’s efforts to achieve this feat at the Indy 500 in partnership with McLaren on Memorial Day weekend. Rick Hendrick, owner of the legendary NASCAR team, expressed his delight at the opportunity to enter the world of open-wheel racing and acknowledged the challenge that experienced IndyCar drivers present themselves.

Larson’s impressive performance at the Phoenix test gives him even more anticipation for the Indianapolis 500 and adds a new dimension to his already remarkable racing career.