Kyle Larson spent May attempting to complete 1,100 miles of racing in one day, aiming to become the second driver to achieve this feat. Unfortunately, rain in Indianapolis and Charlotte dashed his ambitious plans.
Now, the 2021 NASCAR champion is back in Indianapolis for the first time since his debut in the Indianapolis 500. He approaches this weekend’s Brickyard 400 with a fresh perspective, a new challenge, and a deep appreciation for the historic 2.5-mile oval track.
“I haven’t really thought much about the 500 and how it will impact me this week,” Larson remarked ahead of Sunday’s race. “Everyone there has elevated what is already a great venue to another level.”
This week, Larson’s focus extends beyond logistics and aesthetics. Despite securing only one victory since his debut in the 500 at Sonoma, California, Larson has struggled with consistency, managing just one top-five finish in his last five races—a fourth place at New Hampshire.
Recent races have been tough for Larson, finishing 39th in Chicago and 13th at Pocono. He currently sits second in the Cup standings, trailing Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott by three points, with Tyler Reddick and Denny Hamlin not far behind.
Although some believe Larson’s earlier experience in Indianapolis this year could give him an edge in the Brickyard 400, as NASCAR returns to the traditional oval after three years on the road course, Larson plays down this advantage.
The lone practice session is scheduled for Friday afternoon, with qualifying set for Saturday. This setup is quite different from the extensive six-hour practice sessions and two days of qualifying Larson had before the 500.
“Even though the IndyCar and Cup cars feel similar, there are differences. In IndyCar, you’re running wide open,” he explained. “In the stock car, we’ll be lifting in every corner, and I still think we’ll feel the weight a lot there in the corners.
I think the racing line will be similar, but it will be more like what it was with the previous generation car. So, no, I don’t think my laps in the IndyCar will matter this weekend.”
Indianapolis hasn’t been favorable to Larson over the years. In nine Brickyard starts, he has only achieved two top-five finishes, with his best result being third in 2021 on the road course. On the oval, his highest finish was fifth in 2016.
Switching series didn’t change his luck much. Despite a strong qualifying performance that put him fifth in May, he finished 18th due in part to a late pit lane speeding penalty. A four-hour rain delay in Indianapolis made him arrive late in Charlotte, where he couldn’t record a lap in the shortened Coca-Cola 600.
He described it as one of his most disappointing days. Although Larson’s busy schedule has helped him put most of those bad memories behind him, one concern remains.
“I’m still worried about the weather because we’re supposed to leave for Italy on Monday, so we really don’t need any rain,” Larson mentioned.
Luckily for Larson, the weekend forecast looks excellent. High temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid-80s, with minimal chances of rain throughout all three days.
Weather isn’t the only significant change as Larson drives through the speedway tunnel.
While many Cup drivers believe returning to the oval track will bring back the race’s prestige, and the absence of the NASCAR-IndyCar doubleheader again gives Cup teams the main spotlight, Larson knows the atmosphere won’t be quite the same, even with one of the series’ largest crowds in attendance.
