Larson to repeat #Hendrick1100 in 2025
NASCAR champion Kyle Larson has officially placed his name among the entrants into the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, repeating his attempt from earlier this year to run both Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway on the same day over Memorial Day Weekend. Like 2024, both cars will carry primary sponsorship from HendrickCars.com.
Coined the #Hendrick1100, Larson will be attempting to win two of auto racing’s biggest events. Once the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” is complete, Larson will then head to Charlotte, ready to compete in the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR’s longest race. His effort earlier this year was the first time a driver had tried the Indianapolis-Charlotte 1,100-mile “double” since Kurt Busch in 2014.
Familiar Confines
For a second-consecutive year, Larson will once again get behind the wheel of the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Arrow McLaren Chevrolet Indy Car. The car is owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick, the Chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group and owner of Hendrick Motorsports.
“Kyle had a great month of May and showed what a gifted race car driver he is,” Hendrick said. “From a sponsorship perspective, we saw an incredible lift for HendrickCars.com and measured a three-to-one return on our investment. It was a monumental effort by all involved, but we didn’t have the opportunity to see it through (because of inclement weather). Everyone learned a great deal that we’ll take into next year. Now that we’ve experienced it once, we know what to expect, which can only make us better and more prepared. Zak and the team at Arrow McLaren are tremendous partners, and we’re looking forward to finishing the job together in 2025.”
Impressive First Go
In his Indianapolis 500 and Indy Car debut earlier this year, Larson was very impressive. Starting from the fifth position after making a resounding run to the Fast 6 qualifier, the HendrickCars.com driver worked his way into the top-10, briefly taking over the lead as pit stops cycled through during the latter stages. Following a late-race penalty, Larson finished the rain-impacted 500 in the 18th spot, capturing the race’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ honors in the process.
​“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,” Larson said. “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, 32, set an Indy 500 qualifying single lap rookie record posting a speed of 233.543 mph on lap 1 of his Fast 12 qualifying effort. His four-lap average advanced him to the Fast 6 qualifier.
“Kyle showed us all what he was capable of this past May, and given a second chance with better weather conditions, I think we’ll all be excited to see him fight for a win at the Indy 500 and then another one in Charlotte,” said Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing. “He’s one of the most talented racing drivers out there, and it’s a privilege to do this again with Mr. Hendrick and Jeff Gordon, who are both world-class. We can’t wait for May.”
The 2025 #Hendrick1100 takes place Sunday, May 25.
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