Versatility is one of the greatest virtues a racing driver can have. If a driver can drive well on different tracks and in different formats, it almost automatically puts them on the path to success. In this aspect, Kyle Larson has been, arguably, the most versatile driver in recent times.

From winning the Chili Bowl Nationals (twice consecutively) to the Knoxville Nationals, he has just been a force of nature. Add to it his winning the 2021 Cup Series in a manner that left everyone shocked and in awe.

Kyle Larson gets his dream debut chance

That success and driving brilliance ensured one thing—it reassured Rick Hendrick of Larson’s ability to fulfill one of Hendrick’s dreams. “The Indy 500 is such a prestige event. I never thought I’d be there. I know it’s going to be special to walk out on the grid next year and be a part of it,” Mr. H said about the event.

Hendrick Motorsports has not been one of the teams that let its drivers join other Series—let alone support and sponsor them. But Larson has always been different, and he has proven it at HMS as well.

“To have new opportunities, new challenges—it fires Kyle up. And it’s good for the company. I don’t want him to get hurt, I don’t like to see him take unduly risks in other types of racing. But at the same time, I think it sharpens him up,” Hendrick told SiriusXM Radio.

Larson is very excited about the prospect and was reported by NBCSports as saying, “It will be a tall task to go win it, but I think that’s why we’re trying to plan so far ahead. Adding my name to that winners list would add to my legacy. If I could win the Indy 500 at 31 and still have a lot of racing left to run, it would take a big step toward that.”

Kyle Larson’s Indy 500 News Could Finally Push NASCAR & American Motorsports Into Global Mainstream

Although there is more than a year before the event, Memorial Day 2024 will be something Larson will be waiting for very eagerly. Hopefully, he can make the most of the chance he has.

Why wait till 2024? What’s wrong with 2023?

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After the announcement was made by Larson and Hendrick Motorsports, the first question that arose in fans’ heads was—why not in 2023?

While Hendrick hasn’t offered an explicit reason for why 2024 was chosen, there can be multiple reasons for this. For starters, HMS has been making statements in recent days about the lack of consistency on the team.

That, however, isn’t the only reason for pushing the Indy 500 participation to 2024. According to Bob Pockrass of FOX, “Not many Chevy rides still available for Indy 500 and this gives them time to make sure Larson and everyone does it right (Hendrick is putting a lot of focus on Le Mans this year). Plus this year would be tough with potential qualifying and the all-star race around the same time.”

With Larson aiming to do the Double, this extended preparation period will allow him to prepare for the difficulties he will face. 

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Tony Stewart remains to this date the only person to have successfully done the Double. But if there is one pair that can do it, it’s the Larson–HMS pair. They have a really good chance of repeating history in 2024.