“I can’t say enough”: When NASCAR’s billionaire owner Rick Hendrick shared his feelings on IndyCar’s Arrow McLaren

May 26, 2024, was a pivotal day for Hendrick Motorsports' billionaire owner Rick Hendrick. After 40 years of leading his NASCAR team to 18 drivers' and 14 Cup Series championships, the Hall of Famer stepped foot in IndyCar for the first time.

This year, Hendrick Motorsports partnered with IndyCar's Arrow McLaren to field Kyle Larson in the 108th Indy 500. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champ was set to attempt the 'Double Duty' and complete the 1100 miles of racing in the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day to become the fifth driver to do so.

Ahead of this important day in both Larson and Hendrick's motorsport careers, Hendrick wholeheartedly thanked the Zak Brown-led Arrow McLaren for its continued support. He said (via NBC Sports):

"I can’t thank enough Arrow McLaren and Zak for what they’ve brought to the table. I’ve always dreamed of watching that race but never thought I’d have a car in the race, and our sponsor, our company is going to be there, a lot of people. We’ve got so many people I don’t know how we’re going to get everybody home. I think we have five airplanes up there."

"But the pageantry, to see the legends of the sport, to see Zak’s cars and our car sitting there and the effort that they’ve put in, I can’t believe the speeds that they’re going to be racing at. But the pageantry and the pressure - again, I can’t say enough about Arrow McLaren and the effort they’ve put into this car and the relationship we’ve built," Rick Hendrick added.

Larson's participation in the 2024 Indy 500 and the Double Duty attempt was announced in January 2023. In the year and a half leading up to the big day, Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports toiled consistently behind the scenes to ensure a smooth experience for everybody involved.

Larson was on the money on qualifying day as he eased into the Top 6 and slotted fifth on the grid with a four-lap average speed of 232.846 mph in his No. 17 Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet. However, it was heartbreak on race day as Mother Nature foiled his 'Hendrick 1100.'

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Rick Hendrick on Kyle Larson's failed 'Double Duty' in 2024

Rick Hendrick (R) with Kyle Larson at the NASCAR Cup Series Championship - Source: Getty

Kyle Larson's first Double Duty attempt was spoiled by rain at both events in Indianapolis and Charlotte. The Indy 500 was delayed by four hours because of the wet weather. However, the NASCAR star stuck around to complete all 200 laps around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to finish a respectable P18 and bag Rookie of the Year honors.

When Larson arrived in Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR officials had flagged the race for adverse weather. The loud cheer he received upon entering the pit lane didn't lead to anything better. The race was called after two hours of pouring on the track. Justin Allgaier, Larson's fill-in in the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, was awarded a 13th-place finish.

ESPN asked Rick Hendrick about the possibility of Larson re-attempting the double in 2025.

"Yeah, I'm not ready to have that conversation yet. But Kyle will be ready, sooner than later. That's how racers are built. That's what makes them great. And even when they drive me crazy and wear me out, I love them for that," Rick Hendrick said.

As fate would have it, in September, Hendrick agreed to Larson's request to re-attempt the feat next year.