"Catering to Hendrick"; "Tony Stewart didn’t need NASCAR" - Fans divided as NASCAR moves All-Star race for Kyle Larson

Fans have reacted to NASCAR's decision to push back the All-Star race timings for Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson. The 31-year-old performed double duty during the All-Star week, participating in both the Indy 500 qualifying and the NASCAR race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Former NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson is all set to make his IndyCar Series debut later this week. Larson will compete in the iconic Indy 500 race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, before rushing back to perform his NASCAR duties, participating in the Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In the process, Larson is set to attempt "the double," a feat only achieved by NASCAR legend Tony Stewart in 2001.

Kyle Larson's impressive performance in the Indy 500 qualifying saw him secure a spot in the second row, starting inside the top 5 alongside Alexander Rossi and Santino Ferrucci. Team Penske's Scott McLaughlin clinched the pole position with an average qualifying speed of 234.220 mph.

With Larson out, retired legend Kevin Harvick filled in for the HMS driver, taking the reins of the No. 5 Chevy in the practice races for the All-Star race. After the Indy 500 qualifying, the Hendrick Motorsport star and Jeff Gordon were seen rushing to their motorcade after the session.

In order to accommodate Larson's hectic schedule, NASCAR pushed back the All-Star race start time by 16 minutes. NASCAR reporter Alan Cavanna confirmed the adjustment via a tweet, stating:

“NASCAR moving the All-Star race start 16 minutes to about 8:30pm ET. Yes, it’s Larson-related. Everyone working together to make sure the day is as fun as possible.”

However, this hasn't gone down well among the NASCAR fanbase. Fans took to social media platforms to express their displeasure with NASCAR's alleged favoritism towards Larson. One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

"Unbelievable. Catering to Hendrick, AGAIN!"

Another user wrote:

"Tony Stewart didn’t need NASCAR to help him doing the double.."

A third fan commented:

"but if it was anyone else"

"Rigged for Larson," commented a fourth user.

"Would it happen for every other driver?" questioned a fifth user.

"Can’t even make the show without NASCAR’s assistance," another user chimed in.

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Kyle Larson reflects on his NASCAR All-Star performance

Entering the race as the defending champion, Larson had to settle for a fourth-place finish in the All-Star race.

Early in the race, the HMS driver struggled to gain positions in the 20-car field. A late-race decision to pit for new tires briefly provided him with a surge. With 42 of 250 laps to go, Larson lined up 10th after a restart with new tires. He quickly moved to third within five laps, but eventually saw his tire advantage fade, dropping him back in the field.

Reflecting on his performance, Kyle Larson told the media after the race (via Motorsport.com):

"I thought I was doing what I needed to maintain the balance of my car, but I think we just pumped the air up a lot and I just built really free, really quickly, on that run. And then I moved up and I just slowly got tight after that."

"I thought we were in a great position to win," he added. "I thought for sure we would win, but just didn’t work out. We’ll do our homework and try to get our car better for next year."

In the Cup Series, Kyle Larson continues to lead the standings after 14 races. He has two wins so far in Kansas and Las Vegas.