Rick Hendrick Send Clear Message To Kyle Larson “If There is Scheduling Conflict Between The Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600, prioritize the…
In fact, Larson’s impressive talent has led McLaren and HMS to collaborate once again, giving him another shot at the prestigious Indianapolis 500 in 2025. But why is McLaren, a British car manufacturer, so invested in an American driver? Beyond the business potential, McLaren aims to establish a historic partnership with Rick Hendrick, NASCAR’s top team owner.
Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR’s winningest team, has produced legends like Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and now Kyle Larson. While the team has enjoyed great success in NASCAR, the partnership with McLaren allows them to explore new racing arenas. This collaboration elevates HMS beyond its NASCAR roots, positioning them as global racing giants.
McLaren, on the other hand, sees Rick Hendrick as a strategic ally in expanding its presence in the American market. As they challenge Red Bull in Formula 1, McLaren is also broadening its horizons. Partnering with Hendrick and supporting Larson’s Indy 500 bid aligns with McLaren’s goal of growing its brand in the U.S.
“We’re kind of a crossover team, racing in IndyCar, Formula E, Extreme E—we like to race. Partnering with Rick Hendrick, who’s like the McLaren of North America, is in line with our brand,” said Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, in an interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr.
McLaren is the only team to win motorsport’s triple crown: the Indy 500, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Formula 1 Championship. This partnership not only adds to their racing portfolio but also addresses business goals. “From a business standpoint, our sponsors want more presence in America. Formula 1 is taking off here, and we want a bigger piece of that,” Brown added.
However, Rick Hendrick and Larson have confirmed that if there’s a scheduling conflict between the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600, their priority will be the NASCAR race. In 2024, Larson faced a weather delay in the Indy 500, which forced him to skip the start of the Coca-Cola 600—only for it to be postponed as well. Although this raised concerns about his NASCAR playoff eligibility, HMS has reassured officials that, moving forward, the Coca-Cola 600 will take precedence.
“If we’re going to do this, we’re not going to put him in a tough spot. The priority is the Coca-Cola 600,” said Rick Hendrick. Larson agreed, stating, “I owe it to my NASCAR team to be here on time and try to win one of the season’s biggest races.”
For now, HMS and McLaren are aligned in giving Kyle Larson a shot at redemption at the Indy 500 in 2025.
