Yahoo Autos Foiled double ‘one of the most disappointing’ days for Larson
Kyle Larson called Sunday “one of the most disappointing” days he’s ever experienced after not being able to complete the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 double.
“What I thought could be one of the best days of my life quickly turned into one of the most disappointing ones I’ve ever experienced,” Larson posted Monday morning on X. “I hate it for Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon, HAG, Hendrick Motorsports, everyone part of the 5 team, everyone on the 17 IndyCar for speeding, my family, my friends, my fans, and the documentary crew that has followed along the journey the past eight months.
“So much time, money, and effort went into this experience, and it just kills me to have it all end the way it did. I feel like I let so many people down.”
Larson looked set for a strong finish in his first Indy 500, until a pitman speeding penalty. Jake Galstad/Motorsport Images
Larson qualified fifth at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Arrow McLaren and finished 18th after a speeding penalty. Because the start of the race was delayed by four hours because of rain, the decision was made for Larson to compete at Indianapolis and then take over his NASCAR Cup Series car on arrival at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
At approximately 9:30pm ET, Larson arrived in his NASCAR pit stall and began preparing to get into his Chevrolet. Simultaneously, the race — which had already reached the point where it could be declared official — went into a weather delay and never restarted. Justin Allgaier ran the 249 laps that were completed of the Coca-Cola 600 in Larson’s No. 5.
“We knew all along weather could throw a wrench into things, but seeing it come to reality is a horrible feeling,” Larson’s post continued. “Up until Sunday, it was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. I can’t describe how appreciative I am of everyone’s support of me to live out a dream. I hope it’s not the last opportunity I have to try the Double, but if it is, I guess it was memorable.
“Thank you to everyone at Arrow McLaren, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and all the competitors there for making me feel welcome. (I’m) ready to get back on track now and get refocused on winning a second championship for our team.”
Because he did not start the Coca-Cola 600, Larson will need a waiver from NASCAR to remain eligible for the postseason. NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports have yet to announce if the request has been made or granted.
