For decades, the idea of a driver competing in ‘The Double’ has represented a rare and thrilling challenge in motorsports. It’s a difficult feat of endurance, logistics and skill, reserved only for those bold enough to chase racing glory across two of America’s most iconic events in a single afternoon. Kyle Larson embodied that spirit by attempting the Double in back-to-back years. However, for all the enthusiasm and spectacle tied to the endeavor, his recent attempts highlighted just how fragile the entire enterprise is and how it’s not just the weather, but institutional roadblocks within NASCAR that act as road roadblock to complete this historic feat.

Larson’s 2024 campaign was supposed to be a celebration of racing’s boundless achievements, but instead it turned out to be a case study of what happens when inflexible rules and outdated thinking collide with a talented generation. In both his attempts, unpredictable rain delays at IMS derailed his chances of completing his dream. But there’s more to this saga than just weather and logistics, and NASCAR’s policy has come under scrutiny after Larson’s back-to-back disappointment.

The new playoff waiver rule was called the ‘Kyle Larson’ rule. With the new rules, Larson couldn’t risk missing the Coca-Cola 600 once again; if he did, he would’ve jeopardized his championship hopes. A failure to do so would’ve resulted in him losing all his playoff points he earned in the regular season. A massive disadvantage for a driver who is favorite to contend for a championship. So, the question remains: Was Kyle Larson set up for failure with his second attempt to complete the Double? Well, Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks believes this was the case.

“If I was running everything, I would do everything in my power to make sure things like the ‘Double’ can happen. It’s an amazing opportunity for NASCAR fans who want to watch their favorite NASCAR driver, maybe watch the Indy 500 for the first time, learn about IndyCar, learn new stories and all that — and vice versa. I don’t know if you change the schedule of the day, but people need to be working in a direction to try to make it happen versus trying to not make it happen.” Marks said this in an interview with Athletic.

This year, a shorter delay of 45 minutes still meant Larson would have needed to climb out of the car mid-race to make it to Charlotte on time, had he not crashed out first. Given the millions invested in equipment, sponsorships, preparation, and travel, the entire effort felt like an uphill battle for the driver. “I would love to run the Indy 500 again,” Larson admitted after a frustrating day that ended in crashes at both tracks. “Just doing the Double, I think, is just logistically too tough.”

The storyline this year wasn’t about Kyle Larson attempting the Double. It was about will the HMS star would make it to Charlotte Motor Speedway in time? With the rain delay, Larson must have known his fate was sealed and from there on, it was just a matter of time or a crash that would force him out of the No. 17 car. And unfortunately, his Indy 500 bid ended in a crash. This certainly didn’t help his cause, as in the Coca-Cola 600, he once again wrecked out of the race.

Given that Team Penske owns the IndyCar Series and is a stakeholder in NASCAR with its racing operation, the two parties can make something happen. Yet, NASCAR stood firm on its rule books, whereas IndyCar also rolled out rules that wouldn’t help the Arrow McLaren team. If anything, this has to be a collaborative effort, allowing drivers to attempt to run the Double. Some fans trolled Larson for failing to complete the task despite two attempts, but with the broken systems in place, he could do only so much. Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared his take on the situation and tried to shut down the noise that targeted Larson.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. comes out in support of Kyle Larson

Sunday’s outcome wasn’t what Larson envisioned when he committed to his 2nd attempt. The 32-year-old driver saw his dream crumble in disappointment after crashing in both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 events. Still, Larson’s boldness earned widespread admiration from racing legends and current drivers alike, with many recognized the scale of the challenge that he has undertaken two years in a row.

Speaking to NBC Sports following the races, Larson looked worn out but still acknowledged the toll the day had taken on him and doubted if he would attempt the Double again. “The Double is just a tough undertaking. The window of time is too tight. … So I don’t really think it’s worth it,” Larson said.

Despite the back-to-back crashes and a 37th-place finish in the Coca-Cola 600 after a wreck on Lap 246, Larson’s effort drew praise from Dale Earnhardt Jr., who expressed his deep appreciation for what Larson attempted. “Talked about this on the 600 post race @SportsonPrime,” Dale Jr. wrote. “What we don’t see are the meet n greets, photo shoots, team meetings, travel, and more photo shoots, media requests… his plate is already full with those things in NASCAR and to add THE Indy 500!! It’s a Herculean undertaking in May times 10. Unreal.”

This wasn’t the last time Kyle Larson tried to complete 1,100 miles. But, with the current rules and restrictions that add more pressure, it is tough to see the driver take on the challenge unless this is a collaborative effort. Perhaps NASCAR and IndyCar can sit at a table and discuss the initiative they can take to make this process simpler.