“Nobody races as much as me,” Kyle Larson recently said when asked about his jam-packed racing calendar. And he’s not wrong. For the second straight year, Kyle Larson is set to have a busy weekend in late May. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion will attempt “The Double” once again, racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, May 25. It’s a rare and daring feat, reserved for only the boldest drivers in motorsports, such as Tony Stewart, who remains the only man to complete both races on the same day.

After Kyle Larson’s attempt in 2024 got marred by rain delays and led to him not turning a single lap at Charlotte, his plan to return has fueled excitement across fan bases, from die-hard NASCAR loyalists to open-wheel enthusiasts. But while his ambition is undeniable, he has faced some obstacles in his path that fans didn’t expect. There’s a rising wave of doubt, and some surprisingly harsh takes, casting a long shadow over his Indy 500 dream.

Kyle Larson is already seeing worse results than in 2024

After dominating at Kansas Speedway just a week ago, where he led 221 laps and captured his third Cup win of the season, Larson is riding a wave of momentum into Indy. But the transition from NASCAR to IndyCar is no small feat, and despite his experience in 2024, the 32-year-old Californian is already feeling the weight of expectations.

Last year, he started further up the grid (5th position in Fast Six qualifiers) and impressed fans with his smooth transition from NASCAR to open-wheel racing. However, the main race saw him caught out by a pit road penalty and bad weather, ultimately finishing in 17th position. The attempt got Larson “Rookie of the Year” honors. Comparing this to Kyle Larson’s 2025 Indy 500 performance, his qualifying performance has taken a hit.

Larson could only manage to qualify 21st for the 2025 Indy 500, clocking a four-lap average of 231.326 mph. He narrowly missed out on the Top 12 shootout, falling short by nearly half a mile per hour. The qualifying session itself was a test of resilience: Larson suffered a crash during practice on Fast Friday, but bounced back with confidence. He called the setback just a minor thing and was completely focused on making the most of his second Indy 500 start. The Hendrick Motorsports driver reflected on the sheer difference in speed with the Indy Cars in comparison to NASCAR after his practice crash.

A typical Next-Gen car has a top speed of around 190-195 miles per hour. Meanwhile, the IndyCars go above 200mph consistently, making handling all the more important. Larson told Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass, “Like, today, I think when you turn the boost up for your speed lap, usually it’s like, ‘Oh my gosh,’ you’re flying. That didn’t feel like as crazy as like the open test felt like when I turned it up for the first time. So, I’m happy the speed didn’t scare me or anything like that. I think, as long as the car is okay, I think we’ll be fine.”

Weather also played its own role in the drama, just like last year. Throughout the week, wind gusts up to 40 mph and unusually warm temperatures reaching close to 90 degrees have made the track unpredictable and challenging for all drivers. The qualifying day saw the worst conditions of the week. They posed a problem not only for Larson. Case in point – drivers Marcus Armstrong and Colton Herta suffered a crash in morning practice and qualifying sessions, respectively.

This year, the stakes are higher, and the pressure is mounting. And it’s not just from within the paddock, but from fans who are skeptical about his chances of winning the big one. And they took to social media to voice their doubts. A large group boldly predicted that Larson’s Indy 500 attempt would end in disappointment rather than glory.

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Fans aren’t hopeful for a Kyle Larson show at the Indy 500

The fan reaction to Kyle Larson’s Indy 500 campaign has been a mix of skepticism and tough love. As one fan pointed out about Larson’s shot at winning the race, “The stars need to align perfectly for him to have a chance.” The Indianapolis 500 is notorious for its unpredictability. Weather, pit strategy, and the sheer depth of talent in the field can all play spoilsport. This year, high winds and heat have already made the track treacherous, adding another layer of difficulty for every driver.

Another fan pointed to Larson’s recent incidents as a red flag. “He’d do better if he quit crashing the car.” The comment referenced the crashes Larson suffered during practice and testing in the lead-up to qualifying. Luckily, the damage during the practice session was minor, and the team fixed the car in time for the subsequent practice and qualifying sessions on Saturday. While he’s shown impressive resilience and confidence, these mistakes have fueled doubts about his ability to keep it clean for 500 miles.

Others simply highlight the strength of the IndyCar field. “No. The IndyCar field is very strong,” a fan commented. The lineup has big names like Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, and more. Palou, the two-time defending series champion, and won 4/5 races so far this season. On the other hand, Newgarden is chasing a historic third consecutive Indy 500 win.

There’s also a perception that Larson’s equipment isn’t quite up to par with the best. “Not unless he gets in one of Penske’s cars,” some argue, noting that Penske’s drivers consistently dominate at Indy. After all, the Roger Penske-owned series has seen Team Penske win the Indy 500 a staggering 20 times! Keeping up the strong trend this year, Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden have qualified second and third in Stage 1.

Finally, some fans believe Larson’s McLaren team is focusing more on Pato O’Ward. “McLaren is probably putting 80% of their efforts into O’Ward’s car,” one fan speculated, leaving Larson as a long shot. O’Ward, a full-time Indy driver, was the runner-up last year. This year, he has qualified fourth and is considered Arrow McLaren’s best hope for victory.

With so many variables and a field stacked with legends, can Larson silence the doubters and pull off the unthinkable? The answer will come on race day, when skill, luck, and endurance are all put to the test. What do you think will happen? Let us know in the comments!