CONCORD, N.C. – Kyle Larson’s journey for the 2024 Indianapolis 500 is officially underway.
This week, the Hendrick Motorsports driver spent time at Arrow McLaren’s race shop in Indianapolis to get fitted for his seat. It was his first time sitting in an IndyCar.
"I’m looking forward and excited for the challenge," Larson said of running the Indy 500 in a video posted on Arrow McLaren's Twitter. "Just learning something new. I love trying to push my abilities and there is nothing as new and different to me than IndyCar probably will be. Just excited about it all."
In January, it was announced that the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion will compete in the biggest open-wheel event in racing. The Chevrolet entry will be fielded by McLaren Racing and co-owned by Rick Hendrick with title sponsorship from HendrickCars.com.
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"Having Rick Hendrick involved with it is great and special. Being with Arrow McLaren, too," Larson said. "I know we will have a shot to win. This is definitely winning equipment. It’s going to be a fun experience. Want to soak it all in and try to do the best job we can come a year from now."
Tony Kanaan, who won the 2013 Indianapolis 500, was on site as Larson got fitted for his seat. Kanaan was a race-winning teammate with Larson in the 2015 24 Hours at DAYTONA.
In announcing his Indy 500 ride earlier this year, Larson acknowledged that he wanted plenty of time to prepare given the newness of this experience for him.
"It’s way different than anything I have ever done," Larson said. "I feel like if I was to do it this year, honestly, it would be like a rush. I wouldn’t feel prepared. Getting to spend a whole year taking my time getting to learn things and talking to different people will be beneficial."
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Larson will be the fifth driver to run "The Double" – the Memorial Day weekend races of the Indianapolis 500 and the Charlotte 600-mile race. John Andretti, Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon and Kurt Busch are the others. Busch is the most recent to do in 2014, while Stewart (in 2001) is the only driver to complete all 1,100 miles of "The Double." No driver to attempt it has won either leg.