Winning Both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 is Nearly Impossible
Kyle Larson is gearing up for an ambitious attempt in 2024: to compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Dubbed “The Double,” this feat requires racing in two of the biggest motorsport events on the calendar, both on Memorial Day. While the challenge is exciting, there are major hurdles to pulling off a victory in both races. In fact, the odds are stacked against Larson winning both, and here’s why.
1. Logistical Nightmare: The Timing Issue
The Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 are scheduled just hours apart, and logistics play a massive role in this challenge. The Indianapolis 500 typically wraps up in the early afternoon, but even if Larson wins, the post-race commitments could eat up critical time.
A victory in the Indy 500 means extensive media duties, post-race inspections, and celebratory obligations, which could take several hours.
By the time Larson fulfills these responsibilities, it’s likely he wouldn’t have enough time to travel to Charlotte and prepare for the Coca-Cola 600. The Indy 500 win itself could jeopardize his ability to even make it to the start of the 600-mile race in time.
2. Driver Change in NASCAR: A Complication
Even if Larson manages to arrive at Charlotte Motor Speedway after competing in the Indy 500, NASCAR regulations require a backup driver to start the Coca-Cola 600 if the primary driver (in this case, Larson) cannot. This presents another challenge: the backup driver will receive the points for the race, including any wins and the playoff spot.
If Larson’s team wins the Coca-Cola 600 with a substitute driver, it’s the backup who gets the credit, not Larson. This is a huge drawback, as Larson could win the race but still not receive the victory in the record books or any associated points. Winning a 600-mile race, only to lose the accolades to a substitute, would be a bitter pill to swallow.
3. Physical Fatigue: A Monumental Challenge
Racing 1,100 miles across two grueling events in one day is a physical marathon. The Indy 500 requires sharp focus and endurance as drivers maintain speeds exceeding 220 mph over 200 laps. After battling for hours at Indianapolis, Larson would then have to switch gears—literally and mentally—to take on the even longer Coca-Cola 600.
By the time he arrives at Charlotte, he would already be physically drained. And if Larson doesn’t start the 600 but enters later, he would jump into the race without a warm-up, making it even tougher to compete effectively. The cumulative fatigue could diminish his performance in either, or both, races.
4. Historical Precedent: It’s Been Done, but Not Perfectly
A handful of drivers have attempted “The Double” before, including Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch. Stewart is the most successful, finishing in the top 10 in both events in 2001.
However, no driver has ever won both races on the same day. This speaks to the monumental difficulty of managing not only the physical and logistical demands but also the intricacies of each racing series.
Even with Larson’s undeniable talent, the chance of winning both races is incredibly slim. Victory in one is possible, but both? That’s asking for a near miracle.
While Kyle Larson’s talent and determination cannot be questioned, the odds of winning both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day are stacked against him. Between the tight schedule, the physical demands, and the driver substitution rules in NASCAR, it’s almost impossible for him to claim both victories.
If he wins the Indy 500, post-race obligations could prevent him from even starting the 600. And if he wins the 600, it’ll likely be the backup driver who receives the credit.
As thrilling as the prospect is, it looks like Larson will have to choose which victory means more to him, as winning both seems out of reach.
