Kyle Larson Successfully Completes IndyCar Evaluation at Phoenix Raceway
2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson continues his preparations for the legendary Indianapolis 500 in May after a successful evaluation at Phoenix Raceway on Monday night. Larson hopes to become the fifth driver to start the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
The Hendrick Motorsports driver was behind the wheel of the No. 17 Aero McLaren Chevrolet at the 1-mile oval that hosts NASCAR’s championship weekend. Larson got his first taste of IndyCar last October and quickly spent the night reacquainting himself with the car.
After the test, Larson shared his impressions and emphasized the importance of familiarizing himself with the track and the nuances of Indycar. He described the challenges of operating different lines and alternative tactics on the field compared to what is usual in the cup series.
“On a high-speed track, it was good to do some laps in different places and get used to lifting my legs and things like that, so I did it,” Larson said, reflecting on the test.
Until 2018, Phoenix hosted an IndyCar event, which meant Larson had no say in the current version of the production car. He points out these differences and emphasizes the need to understand how your driving style fits with your current car.
“Obviously the car is a lot different than the 2018 car, so I don’t really know how my driving style compares to someone who’s in it every weekend,” Larson said. “But I felt like I finally felt really comfortable where I found my limit and almost came out of Turn 4, so it was good to have a moment like that.”
The driver also emphasized the importance of testing, where he went through pit stops and deliberately made mistakes to get to know the car. Emphasize the progression of reframing and becoming more comfortable with the process.
Larson’s next race will be the first test of the Indy 500 in April at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which will be the final warm-up before practice for the 108th Indy 500 on May 26.
After a feat or two, Larson joins a select group of drivers such as John Andretti, Robbie Gordon, Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch who have attempted two races on the same day. Stewart is the only driver to complete the 1,100-mile course, accomplishing the feat in 2001.
Larson’s start in the Indy 500 is supported by the partnership between Hendrick Motorsports and McLaren, where Rick Hendrick, owner of the most successful team in NASCAR history, will make his debut in the legendary race. Hendrick expressed his excitement about the new challenge and is looking forward to this unique racing experience.
