“I probably won't even think about it”: Kyle Larson masks intense Indy 500 pressure with his crystal-clear ‘ordinary’ take

Kyle Larson has expressed confidence about his second Indy 500 attempt, explaining he won’t be doing anything out of the ordinary to prepare for the open-wheel racing discipline. The Hendrick Motorsports driver debuted in the Indy-Charlotte Double this past season but inclement weather conditions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Charlotte Motor Speedway plagued his 1100-mile run desire.

NASCAR is set to embark on its 77th Cup Series season. After a botched maiden Memorial Day Double attempt, Larson announced he’d make another attempt in the Indy 500. The 2021 Cup Series champion exhibited a promising performance but issues like a late-race pit stop, pit lane speeding penalty, and more, dropped the Californian to a P18 finish.

The annual IndyCar race cost Larson big time as he failed to run in the Coca-Cola 600. Despite reaching the venue, ready to replace Justin Allgaier in the #5 Chevy, the HMS driver couldn’t race as the officials canceled the crown jewel race due to the unfavorable weather, declaring Christopher Bell the winner.

Thus, the HMS ace decided to redeem himself in a second attempt. But since IndyCar is another four-wheeled motorsport, Larson believes that transitioning from a NextGen car to an IndyCar would be “natural” and that “out of ordinary” preparations will not be required.

“I probably won't even think about it until April or something," Larson said. "It wasn't too different this year, I think it's pretty natural transition from a Next-Gen car to an IndyCar. So, yeah, I don't think you have to get, mentally prepared or anything like way out of the ordinary of a normal race,” Kyle Larson said via Hendrick Motorsports.

The 32-year-old will reunite with Arrow McLaren for his second Indy 500 attempt with HendrickCars.com as the returning sponsor.

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“We have unfinished business”: Kyle Larson opens up on failing to secure the challenging Doubleheader feat

Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon, Kurt Busch, Kyle Larson, and more have attempted the highly-coveted Indy-Charlotte Double; however, Stewart is the only driver thus far, who could complete all 1100 miles on a single day. Larson is the most recent driver who tried to join the three-time Cup Series champion but couldn’t.

After facing disappointment at the Indy 500, Larson rushed to Charlotte to at least participate in the race, as missing a regular season battle without a reason worthy of a waiver, would jeopardize his playoff eligibility. Though he failed to clock a lap at the 1.5-mile oval, NASCAR granted him the waiver, permitting the HMS driver to fight for the title.

However, the desire to complete 1100 miles in one day remained unfulfilled. Now, amid a second confirmed attempt, Larson appreciated having another shot at wrapping his “unfinished business.”

“I really enjoyed the month of May in Indy and racing with Arrow McLaren, but I was really disappointed with missing the Coca-Cola 600 with the No. 5 HendrickCars.com team. I appreciate the second opportunity because we have unfinished business. I really want to complete all 1100 miles, and I think we have the opportunity to battle for the win in both events,” Larson said.

It’s worth mentioning that Kyle Larson’s boss Rick Hendrick reportedly poured in $3 million to materialize the debut Indy 500 attempt.