Kyle Larson could not complete his Double dream, but he sure as heck won the respect of NASCAR faithful

If there was one NASCAR driver on the current grid capable of pulling off the Double, it's Kyle Larson. The American NASCAR sensation is truly one of the most impressive and talented drivers in the racing scene. Not just NASCAR, or IndyCar, the man excels in every type of racing form one can imagine.

Daring to do the Double this year, Kyle Larson's NASCAR dominance in recent years is very well-known. However, qualifying top-5 for the Indy 500 in your maiden attempt is quite frankly a big achievement in itself. Yet, if you ask NASCAR fans if they were surprised about the Hendrick Motorsports driver's impressive result, chances are they would say no.

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Kyle Larson's indescribable talent and ever-growing popularity

Larson's talent has been undisputable for a long time now. He won 10 races in his 2021 championship-winning year and lost the title to Ryan Blaney on the final day last season. His NASCAR performances have always made him the driver to beat on the track.

Larson would have become only the 5th driver to compete in the Double after John Andretti, Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon, and Kurt Busch. The 31-year-old did complete the full Indy 500. However, he could not get behind the wheel of his #5 HMS car after the Coca-Cola 600 was cut short due to adverse weather.

Larson led in his first-ever Indy Car race, the Indy 500, for a couple of laps. However, a rookie error of speeding in the pit lane ended his hopes of winning the prestigious Indianapolis race. Yung Money finished the race in 18th position.

Speaking of his racing prowess, Larson beat Max Verstappen, his 2024 IndyCar rival Alex Palou, and Steve Torrence to win the 2022 ESPY award. The ESPY Best Driver Award honors the accomplishments of individuals from different motorsports backgrounds around the world.

Larson's dominance in dirt races with completely different machinery compared to a stock car further emphasizes his skill. The kid from Elk Grove has won an International Midget tournament in New Zealand in 2020, a Chili Bowl national title, and a 2023 High Limit Sprint Car Series championship among other titles in his cabinet.

Moreover, Larson's audacity to then attempt 'The Double' further shows his fearlessness to try and compete in various forms of racing. While mother nature had other plans for Yung Money's intended double, it was a BIG deal for NASCAR and Indy Car lovers alike.

Rewind to last week, when Larson reached the North Wilkesboro racetrack in a chopper after his Indy 500 qualification. Fans cheered for him as he arrived at the North Wilkesboro Speedway to compete in the All-Star race. Larson also led the Indy 500's driver merchandise sales, all of that despite him being a rookie.

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Could we see Kyle Larson driving an F1 car? McLaren's Zak Brown certainly feels so

Kyle Larson can certainly halt the rivalry between NASCAR and F1 fans about the "better" racing sport. NASCAR fans would want to see one of their own performing in an F1 car. Similarly, F1 fans can witness one of the best NASCAR driver's talent.

Larson's Arrow-McLaren teammate Alexander Rossi recently placed him on the "same level" as Max Verstappen. Subsequently, McLaren F1's CEO Zak Brown also discussed the idea of the HMS driver driving an F1 car.

Zak Brown told The Race:

“I’d love to see him have a go in a Formula 1 car. I’ve actually spoken with Kyle about that. I think you would expect me to. I didn't have to do that to get him to drive for us at Indy. But he's an awesome talent. I think he would do good."

“But clearly he's a NASCAR driver, always has been, always will be - and you've got to be realistic on the growth trajectory you need to be on to be a Formula 1 driver," he added.

Kyle Larson will return to compete in the Cup Series next weekend in Illinois. But do not be too surprised if you see a 168cm lanky NASCAR driver running lap times he should not be running in an F1 car if he gets the chance to do so.

Larson was also hopeful of attempting a Double again in the future. Whether the weather permits him to become only the second man to complete the 1100 laps, only time will tell.