Latest news with #TheDouble
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Analysis: 'The Double' is hard because it's supposed to be hard
Since rain wrecked the well-laid and meticulously constructed plans of Kyle Larson for the second consecutive year, there's been an outcry of how to make 'The Double' logistically easier. Earlier and later start times! Greater collaboration between IndyCar and NASCAR leadership! Souped up planes, helicopters and golf karts! Advertisement All this misses the point of the most Herculean quest in motorsports: Racing the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day is supposed to be extremely hard to accomplish. Its demanding appeal stems from overcoming an inherent nightmare of logistics. Making a 600-mile commute between the Midwest and Southeast enough times to earn Admirals Club access. While also turning thousands of laps in practicing and racing two wildly different cars at top speeds over 235 mph. RELATED: Larson's 'Double' fallout; fresh playoff contenders emerge 'The Double' is underpinned by its degree of difficulty — starting with the fact it was a literal impossibility for decades. Advertisement The Coke 600 didn't exist until 1960 (49 years after the inaugural Indy 500). For its first 14 years, NASCAR's longest race ran once on the same day as the Indy 500, which was annually held on May 30 until 1974 (when Memorial Day permanently moved to Monday). For the next 20 years, the signature races were held on the same day but often concurrently and with no window that allowed for racing in both. Until Charlotte Motor Speedway added lights and moved the 600 to a nighttime finish in 1993. In the second year that 'The Double' as we know it was possible (there were four drivers who ran the Indy 500 and Coke 600 on separate days in the same year from 1967-71), John Andretti made it a reality in 1994 (and with much less buffer than Larson was scheduled to have with no delays). Advertisement It's been a hit-or-miss opportunity that four more have tried since. From 2005-11, the race shifted to a 1 p.m. EDT start that essentially made completing 'The Double' impossible. In the 14 years since moving to a noon EDT start in 2012, there have been three attempts — Kurt Busch in 2014 and Larson in 2024-25. Those are two NASCAR Cup Series champions who had a legitimate shot to win one or even both races. That's a select list. This isn't open to anyone, nor is it an annual guarantee. Again, 'The Double' is hard because it should be. After Larson's meteorological misfortune the past two years, it's logical to address how to minimize a 45-minute rain delay negating months of careful coordination and preparation. Advertisement There might be wiggle room on the start times of both races. RELATED: Delaying start of Coca-Cola 600 was considered for Larson Until 2005, the Indy 500 started at 11 a.m. during an era when the Indianapolis area didn't observe Daylight Savings Time as it does now. Surely it's possible to get the same crowds of 300,000-plus through the gates before noon now with modern technology. Until Larson crashed Sunday on Lap 91 of the Indy 500, NASCAR was considering a delay of the Coke 600 from its 6:27 p.m. ET start. But there are natural limits to how much 'easier' it can be to attempt 'The Double' — which is good. Advertisement As Trackhouse Racing co-owner Justin Marks alluded to after Ross Chastain's Coke 600 victory, there's an aspirational side to watching a versatile superstar such as Larson take on a challenge that can inspire the general populace to do the unthinkable. Who's building Hoover Dam, digging out the Panama Canal or laying the Transatlantic cable anymore? When the country made an 11-figure investment in space exploration in the 1960s, it was as much about getting the youth of America interested in math and science as putting a man on the moon. That's the limitless value of 'The Double.' If Larson somehow were to win both races, imagine trying to attach a price tag to the resultant exposure and sponsor interest that likely would follow for IndyCar and NASCAR. People want to see the seemingly improbable happen, which is why 'The Double' needs to remain very hard to do — even if that compromises the frequency with which it occurs. Advertisement Greatness is harder to witness if it happens every year. Nate Ryan has written about NASCAR since 1996 while working at the San Bernardino Sun, Richmond Times-Dispatch, USA TODAY and for the past 10 years at NBC Sports Digital. He is a contributor to the 'Hauler Talk' show on the NASCAR Podcast Network. He also has covered various other motorsports, including the IndyCar and IMSA series.
USA Today
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Pato O'Ward calls for IndyCar to ditch the hybrid due to zero benefit
Pato O'Ward calls for IndyCar to ditch the hybrid due to zero benefit In 2024, the NTT IndyCar Series introduced a new hybrid system that changed the on-track product. It has been very controversial since its debut with the drivers and fans not being shy about their thoughts. The racing on track has suffered due to the hybrid system and one of IndyCar's most popular drivers has had enough. Following the first Indianapolis 500 with the hybrid system, McLaren driver Pato O'Ward spoke to Marshall Pruett about the recent issues. O'Ward didn't hold back and is calling for IndyCar to make changes. 'The reason why we keep seeing the restarts being so...I don't even think chaotic reaches the right wording for what we've seen. But, just so desperate is because of the fact that that is your only chance to get multiple positions,' O'Ward said to RACER. "Doesn't matter how good your car is. You know when you make positions now, it's in the restarts by just placing your car somewhere where someone else didn't, and just hoping to God that nothing goes wrong. And by strategy, just having maybe like an overcut. That's how you saw [Ryan Hunter-Reay], [Marcus Ericsson], make their way up while [Conor Daly] was slowing the whole field down, fuel saving." 'I feel like, in all honesty, the hybrid has brought zero benefit to the series in every way, shape and form. I know they're trying to get a third manufacturer. But in my most humble and honest opinion, I believe IndyCar should trust their own history." IndyCar's on-track product has suffered and the drivers are well aware that it's not the same as the past. The hybrid system has only been in place for one year, but it may not have a long tenure in the sport. IndyCar drivers are fed up, and the sport might be forced into making changes sooner rather than later. More: Jimmie Johnson wants Kyle Larson to keep attempting 'The Double'
USA Today
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Jimmie Johnson wants Kyle Larson to keep attempting 'The Double'
Jimmie Johnson wants Kyle Larson to keep attempting 'The Double' Kyle Larson's second attempt at "The Double" didn't go well. Larson crashed out of the 2025 Indianapolis 500, and even if he hadn't wrecked, the helicopter taking him to Charlotte Motor Speedway would have left before the end of the event due to a weather delay. Then, Larson hit the wall and spun from the lead in the Coca-Cola 600 before crashing out later in the night. It was a very disappointing day for the Hendrick Motorsports driver, and it might have represented his final chance at "The Double." However, Jimmie Johnson, who joined the NTT IndyCar Series after retiring from NASCAR, hopes that Larson can continue attempting "The Double" moving forward. "I love that [Kyle Larson]'s doing [The Double], and I hope that he sticks with it," Johnson said. "The uptick for motorsports worldwide is measurable. When people do The Double, it matters. And Kyle is a guy that can drive anything, as we know. We look at how he did last year. This year, sure, racing is racing. It's not always going to be easy. The big races require bigger moments, and there's a lot more going on. The guy just takes it in stride and goes through both events. Sure, he wishes he had different results, but I really hope it doesn't dissuade him from racing in those again." Larson is one of the best race car drivers in the world, and although his two attempts at "The Double" haven't gone well, Johnson hopes it won't discourage him from trying it again. The logistics of "The Double" are complicated, and despite the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion's approval, it would be understandable if Larson didn't want to try it again. More: Kyle Larson addresses a possible third attempt at "The Double"
Toronto Sun
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Toronto Sun
Kyle Larson crashes at Coca-Cola 600 ending disappointing bid to run 'The Double'
He also crashed out at the Indianapolis 500 on Lap 91 Published May 26, 2025 • 4 minute read Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 Hendrick 1100 Chevrolet, spins into the infield with flames after an on-track incident during the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina. Photo by Logan Riely / Getty Images North America CONCORD, N.C. — Kyle Larson's day went from bad to worse Sunday night at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, leaving the talented young driver unsure if he will attempt to run 'The Double' again. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Larson was caught up in a wreck on Lap 246 of the Coca-Cola 600, ending a disappointing day in which he also crashed out at the Indianapolis 500 on Lap 91. Larson was bidding to become the second driver to finish both races and run the combined 1,100 miles. It didn't go well. 'I hate the way the day went,' Larson said. 'I wish I could hit the reset button. I feel terrible for everybody, especially for (car owner) Rick Hendrick.' Larson tried to run The Double last year, but weather issues intervened. This year this issue was wrecks. 'I guess it just wasn't meant to be, I guess,' Larson said. After getting checked out at the medical center at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Larson said he hadn't determined if he will try to run The Double again next year, saying it's too fresh. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The double is a tough undertaking,' Larson said. 'The window of time is just too tight.' Larson started well Sunday night after beginning on the front row. He led early in the race but hit the wall on lap 38 and his car was never the same. He spun out a few laps later, sending him across the front stretch and forcing him into the pits multiple times for adjustments. He wound up near the back of the field, hoping for a top-10 finish. Then came the wreck involving Ryan Blaney, Chase Briscoe and Daniel Suarez as they ran three wide ahead of Larson off turn four. They got tangled up. Suarez spun across the track and clipped the right rear of Larson. Larson drove the wrecked No. 5 Chevrolet to the garage, ending his day. He finished 37th. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 Hendrick 1100 Chevrolet, greets fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina. Photo by David Jensen / Getty Images North America Larson arrived at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in plenty of the time for the race — unlike a year ago when he didn't reach the track until 249 laps had been completed due to rain in Indianapolis that delayed the start of the Indy 500. Larson never turned a lap at last year's Coca-Cola 600 as the race was called. Rain again delayed the start of the Indy 500 on Sunday, but Larson crashed out near the midway point Sunday, ending the NASCAR superstar's second shot at finishing both 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing' and the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte in the same day. In Indy, Larson had been mired deep in traffic throughout the first half of the race, which was delayed about 35 minutes because of a rain shower that passed over the speedway. He was going through Turns 1 and 2 when his car wiggled on a downshift, sending him into a spin and into the outside wall, ending his race after 91 laps. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Just a bit crazy there on the restart,' he said. 'I got like, tight behind Takuma (Sato). I was really close in. I got loose and kind of got all over the place, and yeah, so it spun. Just hate that I got a little too eager on the restarter. Hate it for everybody else.' Kyffin Simpson and Sting Ray Robb also were caught up in the crash. 'When Kyle started losing it and checking up, I tried to go around the outside and there was just no grip out there,' Robb said. If he had made it to the finish in Indianapolis, he would have faced a tight window to make the 550-mile trip because of the rain delay, which soaked up most of the 45-minute buffer that his NASCAR team Hendrick Motorsports and IndyCar team Arrow McLaren projected for him. It was a rough day for Larson even before the crash. He also stalled the car on pit lane, costing him valuable track positions. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Larson took his first shot on one of the toughest challenges in motorsports last season, when even more rain wreaked havoc with his finely laid plans. That Indy 500 was delayed by 4 hours because of heavy rain that saturated Indianapolis Motor Speedway and caused him to be late to Charlotte, where the Cup Series race was underway by the time he landed. Then, more rain there caused the NASCAR race to be called complete before Larson ever took a lap in his car. John Andretti was the first driver to try the Indy 500-Coca-Cola 600 double in 1994, and Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch also have given it a shot. Stewart is the only one to complete all 1,100 laps, finishing sixth in the 2001 Indy 500 before the helicopter-jet-helicopter jaunt to Charlotte, where he finished third in the Cup Series race. 'Just bummed out,' Larson said. 'Try to get over this quickly and get on to Charlotte. Try to forget about it and win tonight.' Check out our sports section for the latest news and analysis. Care for a wager? Head to our sports betting section for news and odds. Sunshine Girls Opinion Sunshine Girls Canada Editorial Cartoons
National Post
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- National Post
Kyle Larson crashes at Coca-Cola 600 ending disappointing bid to run 'The Double'
CONCORD, N.C. — Kyle Larson's day went from bad to worse Sunday night at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, leaving the talented young driver unsure if he will attempt to run 'The Double' again. Article content Larson was caught up in a wreck on Lap 246 of the Coca-Cola 600, ending a disappointing day in which he also crashed out at the Indianapolis 500 on Lap 91. Larson was bidding to become the second driver to finish both races and run the combined 1,100 miles. Article content It didn't go well. Article content 'I hate the way the day went,' Larson said. 'I wish I could hit the reset button. I feel terrible for everybody, especially for (car owner) Rick Hendrick.' Article content Larson tried to run The Double last year, but weather issues intervened. Article content This year this issue was wrecks. Article content 'I guess it just wasn't meant to be, I guess,' Larson said. Article content After getting checked out at the medical center at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Larson said he hadn't determined if he will try to run The Double again next year, saying it's too fresh. Article content 'The double is a tough undertaking,' Larson said. 'The window of time is just too tight.' Article content Larson started well Sunday night after beginning on the front row. He led early in the race but hit the wall on lap 38 and his car was never the same. He spun out a few laps later, sending him across the front stretch and forcing him into the pits multiple times for adjustments. Article content He wound up near the back of the field, hoping for a top-10 finish. Article content Then came the wreck involving Ryan Blaney, Chase Briscoe and Daniel Suarez as they ran three wide ahead of Larson off turn four. They got tangled up. Suarez spun across the track and clipped the right rear of Larson. Larson drove the wrecked No. 5 Chevrolet to the garage, ending his day. Article content Article content Article content Larson arrived at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in plenty of the time for the race — unlike a year ago when he didn't reach the track until 249 laps had been completed due to rain in Indianapolis that delayed the start of the Indy 500. Larson never turned a lap at last year's Coca-Cola 600 as the race was called. Article content Rain again delayed the start of the Indy 500 on Sunday, but Larson crashed out near the midway point Sunday, ending the NASCAR superstar's second shot at finishing both 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing' and the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte in the same day. Article content In Indy, Larson had been mired deep in traffic throughout the first half of the race, which was delayed about 35 minutes because of a rain shower that passed over the speedway. He was going through Turns 1 and 2 when his car wiggled on a downshift, sending him into a spin and into the outside wall, ending his race after 91 laps. Article content 'Just a bit crazy there on the restart,' he said. 'I got like, tight behind Takuma (Sato). I was really close in. I got loose and kind of got all over the place, and yeah, so it spun. Just hate that I got a little too eager on the restarter. Hate it for everybody else.'
