SouthernWorldwide.com – Kyle Larson is reflecting on his attempts to conquer “The Double,” a challenging feat in motorsports, and is open to trying it again in the future.
Larson’s ambitious pursuit of competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day is now the subject of an upcoming documentary on Amazon Prime Video titled “Kyle Larson vs. The Double.” The film is set to be released next week, offering fans an inside look at his journey.
The driver aimed to become only the second person in history to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of Tony Stewart, who accomplished it in 2001. Larson’s attempt in 2024 was his first, making him one of only five drivers to even try.
However, his 2024 attempt was cut short due to a crash on lap 92 of the Indy 500. Adding to the complexity, the Indy 500 start was delayed by 45 minutes due to rain, which likely would have prevented him from reaching Charlotte in time for the Coca-Cola 600, even without the crash.
The following year, Larson made another attempt at “The Double.” Unfortunately, his efforts were again unsuccessful as he crashed in the Coca-Cola 600. This marked the first time since 1997 that a driver failed to finish both races.
Larson described the experience as requiring significant mental stamina, emphasizing the prestige and pageantry associated with competing in two of the world’s most significant racing events.
Regarding the documentary, Larson shared his excitement about providing fans with an intimate perspective. He highlighted the extensive preparation involved for the Indy 500, the process of learning new skills, and the sheer effort required to be race-ready for 1,100 miles in a single day across both races.
He also noted that the film delves into his personal journey, from his upbringing and deep-seated passion for racing to the emotional toll and challenges faced while attempting “The Double” and ultimately not succeeding. Larson believes the documentary captures the essential elements for compelling storytelling, including drama and emotion.
While admitting he was initially hesitant to relive the stressful moments, Larson found the experience of watching the documentary to be valuable. He found it insightful to revisit his state of mind during the intense period, recalling the significant stress he endured.
The documentary also features personal family footage, spanning from his early childhood to his own children. Larson appreciated seeing how his children’s personalities have evolved over the three years they have been filming him. He acknowledged that while some memories were difficult to revisit, the overall experience was positive and meaningful.
Jeff Gordon, co-owner of Larson’s team and featured in the documentary, echoed Larson’s sentiments. He described the endeavor as a significant business and personal experience for Hendrick Motorsports and Kyle Larson himself. Gordon emphasized the rarity and difficulty of “The Double,” noting that many factors must align perfectly for success, as the documentary illustrates.
Looking ahead, Larson expressed uncertainty about attempting “The Double” again. He pointed out the vulnerability of the endeavor to weather, such as just 30 minutes of rain, which can completely derail the plan. While he doesn’t rule out the possibility of racing in the Indy 500 again someday, he stated that it would be impossible as long as he remains a full-time NASCAR driver.
He concluded by saying that he would be perfectly content if he never had the opportunity to race in the Indy 500 again, indicating a sense of closure despite the unsuccessful attempts.
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Despite the hardships faced on back-to-back Memorial Day Weekends, Larson feels he has been compensated. He referenced his victory in the Brickyard 400 and his NASCAR Cup Series championship as a form of retribution.
