In 2024, Kyle Larson prepared for a legendary run. He aimed to complete “The Double”, racing 1,100 miles in one day by running both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. It was a feat only four drivers had ever pulled off. But then, everything went sideways. A rain delay at the Indy 500 set his entire day off course. By the time he landed in Charlotte, the Coca-Cola 600 had already been called off. He never touched the wheel of the No. 5 Chevrolet. The dream had slipped away, not because of skill or strategy, but due to clouds over Speedway and Concord. Now, in 2025, Larson is back and determined. Once again, he’s lined up for the Memorial Day Double. The goal remains the same: 1,100 miles in one epic day. But once again, there’s a quiet, looming threat, Mother Nature. Rain is in the forecast. And Charlotte, just like last year, may not play nice.

The moment stung. Larson didn’t just miss a chance at history; he lost precious points in the NASCAR standings. “I’m very, very thankful for the experience. Everything about the two weeks and all that was great until today. It’s just sad. Everything that could’ve gone wrong today, went wrong,” he said after the letdown. Though NASCAR granted him a waiver for the missed race, the lost opportunity echoed through the rest of the season. “I owe it to my NASCAR team to get here in time and try to win one of the biggest races of the season,” he later stated.

Let’s see what’s in store for Larson and the rest of the grid.

Held every Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, it’s the longest race on the calendar. Four hundred laps. Six hundred miles. A true test of endurance, both mechanical and mental. The race offers more than just competition—it delivers a patriotic tribute wrapped in roaring engines and side-by-side battles. Fans enjoy the full package, including driver Q&As, a concert by Old Dominion, and military salutes. Officials will drop the green flag at 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 25. But once again, the weather might be a spoiler.

Forecasts from the Weather Channel show mixed signals for the race weekend. Thursday looks favorable with mostly sunny skies, highs near 83°F, and just a 2% chance of rain. Winds are expected from the west at 18 mph, making it breezy but dry, ideal for early race prep and fan festivities. This dry streak continues on Friday with Truck Series qualifying. For the Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200, skies remain mostly sunny with a high around 77°F. Rain chances are low, only 2%, and winds from the northwest at about 11 mph keep things calm. Track conditions should be fast and consistent all day and into the evening.

Saturday’s Xfinity Series should also roll with minimal interruption. Forecasts show a high of 79°F under mostly sunny skies and 0% rain probability. Wind drops to 7 mph, creating stable air for side-by-side racing. Temperatures dip to 58°F at night, keeping engines cool and track grip steady.

However, Sunday is where the tension rises. The morning and early afternoon look manageable with cloudy skies, temperatures topping at 80°F, and a 19% chance of showers building after 3 p.m. According to the forecast, from 6 p.m. to midnight, the rain chance holds steady around 50%, paired with light southeast winds at 7 mph.

It’s not enough to call off racing outright, but just enough to hang over everyone’s nerves. And given the chaos of last year, that small percentage looms large. Despite the clouds, Larson’s team is not wavering. Rick Hendrick has made it clear that the 600 comes first. “We’re going to run the 600 even if that means having to cut the race short at Indy,” he said earlier this season. It’s a bold stance, but one based on painful experience. They won’t be caught off guard again. But Larson’s real challenge might come earlier in the day, in Indianapolis. The Indy 500 is scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. ET. All seemed smooth earlier in the week, but now forecasts are turning gloomy.

Indy 500 puts another challenge for Kyle Larson!

Kyle Larson is all set for another Double attempt. After last year’s heartbreak, this attempt feels like redemption. But Mother Nature isn’t just watching Charlotte. Up in Indiana, clouds are forming. The forecast for the Indy 500 took a sharp turn. The Weather Channel now shows a chance of rain all day Sunday. “Overcast with rain showers at times,” it says. And that’s enough to cause trouble for Larson’s tight schedule.

Even a small delay in Indy could ruin the whole plan. Tony Kanaan is Larson’s backup in the No. 17 car, but if Larson even starts the race, Kanaan can’t take over. The weather in Indiana in May is notoriously unpredictable. Just ask Larson. Additionally, if Larson decided to complete the Indy 500 and miss the Coke 600, then there’s NASCAR’s new playoff waiver rule. In 2024, Larson got a waiver and kept his points. Not anymore.

The 2025 rule says drivers who miss a race for non-medical reasons lose all their playoff points. No exceptions. No do-overs. That’s a big hit. Larson didn’t hold back on the rule change. “It’s a very aggressive rule change. Yeah. Abide by the rules. Be a clean racer. Calm racer. Make NASCAR your priority and you’ll be fine,” he had said. He knows what’s at stake. Charlotte’s forecast isn’t alarming, but it’s not ideal. And that’s enough to keep everyone on edge.