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 Sequence 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 file at 233.543 mph earlier than a pit lane dashing violation hindered possibilities of victory and relegated him to an 18th-place end result. Even nonetheless, he received Rookie of the 12 months honors for “The Best 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 disenchanted with lacking the Coca-Cola 600 with the No. 5 HendrickCars.com group,” Larson mentioned.
“I recognize the second alternative as a result of we’ve unfinished enterprise. I actually need to full all 1100 miles, and I feel we’ve the chance to battle for the win in each occasions.”
Kyle Larson, Arrow McLaren/Rick Hendrick Chevrolet
Picture by: Josh Tons / Motorsport Photos
Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Sequence 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 amazing month of Might and confirmed what a gifted race automotive driver he’s,” mentioned group proprietor Rick Hendrick, whom Larson has pushed for within the Cup Sequence since 2021.
“From a sponsorship perspective, we noticed an unbelievable carry 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 means of (due to inclement climate). Everybody realized an amazing 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 group at Arrow McLaren are great companions, and we’re trying ahead to ending the job collectively in 2025.”
Larson is one among 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 feel 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 one of the vital 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 forward to Might.”
