The Challenge of ‘The Double’: Kyle Larson’s Ambitious Racing Feat
Attempting to cover a total of 1,100 miles in one day of racing is no small feat, especially when the races involve two drastically different types of vehicles and take place at tracks located in different states. This is precisely what is meant when a driver like Kyle Larson speaks of attempting ‘The Double.’ His day begins at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the Indy 500 kicks off around 12:45 PM EST, and concludes at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, approximately 11 PM EST, with NASCAR’s longest race, the Coca-Cola 600.
Historically, only four drivers have successfully participated in both races on the same day. Among them, only one—Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion—has achieved the remarkable feat of completing the entire 1,100 miles in both events.
In 2024, Larson made a bid to join this elite group. However, inclement weather intervened, delaying the start of the Indy 500 and causing further disruption as the same storm followed Larson to North Carolina. This unfortunate turn of events meant that he could not take over from Justin Allgaier during the Coke 600, cutting his chance short.
Yet, Larson is not one to back down easily. He will have another opportunity on Sunday, starting from the 19th position in the Indy 500. Should he succeed in completing ‘The Double,’ he would join the ranks of racing legends John Andretti, Robby Gordon, Kurt Busch, and Tony Stewart as one of the few drivers to have participated in both races on the same day. Let’s delve into the histories of these drivers and their experiences in this unique racing challenge.
John Andretti: The Pioneer of ‘The Double’
John Andretti holds the distinction of being the first driver to ever complete ‘The Double.’ Prior to his remarkable achievement in 1994, several NASCAR drivers had attempted to race in both the Indy 500 and the Charlotte event, often opting to skip one of the races. Unfortunately, many of these hopefuls either failed to qualify or were thwarted by weather conditions.
Andretti, then a full-time NASCAR driver with a background in open-wheel racing, managed to finish a respectable tenth in the Indy 500. After wrapping up at Indianapolis, he made it to Charlotte just in time for the race’s start, although he began from the back of the field. His day took a turn for the worse when he crashed early in the Coke 600, but he persevered to complete 220 of the 400 laps before his vehicle ultimately succumbed to the challenges of the day.
Robby Gordon: The Frequent Challenger
Robby Gordon is notable for having made five attempts at ‘The Double,’ more than any other driver. His first endeavor came in 1997, but poor weather conditions forced the Indy 500 to be postponed to the following Monday and Tuesday. Gordon’s subsequent attempts were also plagued by weather-related issues. In 2000, he missed the start of the Coke 600 due to rain, although he did take over from P.J. Jones in the middle of that race.
Gordon’s first successful completion of ‘The Double’ occurred in 2002. He finished eighth in the Indy 500 and 16th in the Coke 600, unfortunately falling just 1.5 miles short of finishing the full 1,100 miles as he ended up one lap down at Charlotte. In 2003, he completed the Double again, although rain caused an early end to the Coke 600. His final attempt took place in 2004, where he again faced weather challenges that forced him to leave mid-race to ensure he was at the start of the 600. Jaques Lazier filled in for Gordon at the Indy 500 but was credited for the result since Gordon had started the race.
Tony Stewart: The Only Driver to Complete Every Lap
Among those who have attempted ‘The Double,’ Tony Stewart stands out as the most successful. He participated in both races in 1999 and 2001. In his first attempt, Stewart finished ninth in the Indy 500 but could not complete all 1,100 miles, finishing four laps down.
His final attempt in 2001 marked a significant achievement; he finished sixth at the Indy 500 and then went on to secure a third-place finish at the Coca-Cola 600. This remarkable performance makes Stewart the only driver to have completed all laps in both races, thereby setting a benchmark for future aspirants.
Kurt Busch: The Last Driver to Successfully Complete ‘The Double’
Kurt Busch is the most recent driver to have successfully completed ‘The Double,’ achieving this in 2014. Despite suffering a crash during practice, he bounced back spectacularly, finishing sixth in the Indy 500 and earning Rookie of the Year honors. However, his day ended on a less fortunate note at Charlotte, as a significant engine failure forced him out of the race after completing 271 of the 400 laps.
Since Busch’s achievement, several other drivers have expressed interest in taking on the challenge of ‘The Double.’ This includes Kyle Larson, who has sought rides in the Indy 500 in both the 2017 and 2024 seasons. Additionally, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson participated in the 2022 Indy 500 but opted not to race in the Coke 600 that same year.
The Legacy of ‘The Double’
The challenge of completing ‘The Double’ is not just a test of endurance but also a display of versatility among drivers. It requires not only physical stamina and mental fortitude but also an ability to adapt to different racing environments and vehicles. Each driver who has attempted this challenge has contributed to a growing legacy that captures the imagination of racing fans everywhere.
The unique nature of the Indy 500, with its rich history and traditions, combined with the high-octane excitement of the Coca-Cola 600, showcases the breadth of American motorsport. As drivers like Kyle Larson aim for this ambitious goal, they become part of a storied narrative that intertwines the worlds of IndyCar and NASCAR.
Final Thoughts on ‘The Double’
As Larson prepares for another shot at ‘The Double,’ he joins a small fraternity of drivers who have dared to take on this monumental task. Each attempt, successful or not, adds depth to the lore surrounding this unique racing challenge. The thrill of racing in two distinct environments on the same day is a testament to the skill and determination of these athletes.
With the legacy of drivers like John Andretti, Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Kurt Busch paving the way, the future of ‘The Double’ remains bright. Whether Larson succeeds or faces yet another setback, the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence in racing will continue to inspire both current competitors and future generations of drivers.
