Kyle Larson is taking a more calm approach to preparing for the Indy 500

do not expect kyle larson Endless trips to test an Indy car before this year’s 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25.

A year ago, the California native left no stone unturned in preparation for his first attempt at “The Double” – running the Indy 500 and 600-mile NASCAR Cup Series races at Charlotte on the same Sunday of Memorial Day weekend (a combined with effort) arrows mclaren and Hendrick Motorsports). He participated in the Indy 500 rookie test in October 2023 before running approximately 172 laps at Phoenix Raceway in February 2024. Then last April there was the annual Indy Open Test, which allowed Larson to get a feel for what it was like to be up against the elements. The rest of the Indy 500 a month before the race.

Larson’s attempt to become the fifth driver to compete in both races fell short, with rain delaying the 2024 Indy 500 – where he started fifth and finishing 18th – and the Cup race after 249 laps of 400. Later he was called early, due to which he was unable to take the turn. lap despite arriving late at Charlotte.

While the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion aims to complete “The Double” this time around, his buildup to Indy won’t be as intense.

“Once you go through it, you know what to expect,” Larson explained. motorsport“Last year, I didn’t know what to expect from anything. So, I feel like I over-prepared in a lot of ways – which is still good, but once I got to do it, it wasn’t really that different from what I’m used to.

No preparation yet…

It’s very possible that Larson’s first – and potentially Only – The time to drive the No. 17 Arrows McLaren-Hendrick Chevrolet before the Indy 500 will come at the open test April 23-24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“I haven’t done any preparation, and I think I probably won’t do anything until the Open Test in April – and get to 500 right after that, a few weeks later,” Larson said. “I haven’t had a chance to speak to anyone from McLaren. I don’t know what my team looks like. I know nothing about it.”

a person that larson Will not done When he returns to Indy he will be able to rely on Indy 500-winning engineer Brian Kemp, who helped Larson transition to Indy cars. Kempe, who was with Hendrick Motorsports at the time, joined Arrows McLaren after the 2024 500 before leaving to join Legacy Motor Club as technical director in October.

While Larson waits to see how his IndyCar team will shape up, he’s focused on this week’s Chili Bowl Nationals and then the upcoming NASCAR season.

“My focus here in the offseason is on dirt racing and the start of our NASCAR season,” Larson said after Monday night’s preliminary Chili Bowl win. “I think soon we’ll get an idea of ​​what everything looks like for Indy. But as far as preparation and all that, I haven’t done anything – and I don’t think you have to do anything fancy or anything extra special to get ready for that race.