“Herculean Undertaking!” Dale Earnhardt Jr. Responds to Kyle Larson’s Comments on Indy 500 after Back-to-Back Disappointment

2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson hints not returning for double duty and Dale Earnhardt Jr. has responded to it.

“Herculean Undertaking!” Dale Earnhardt Jr. Responds to Kyle Larson’s Comments on Indy 500 after Back-to-Back Disappointment

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Larson (Via IMAGO)

Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson made his second Indy 500-Coke 600 double duty attempt last week and things didn’t go as planned. He maiden attempt in 2024 was ruined due to rain delays while this time it was mistake from the veteran himself. Larson crashed out from both of his races, ending the runs early.

After the disappointing runs, Kyle Larson spoke with media and hinted that he might not attempt double duty again owing to the fact that it’s a massive undertaking. The logistics around these attempts is significant and also put big financial strain on the team. These comments got the attention of Hal of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The Double is just a tough undertaking. The window of time is too tight. … So, I don’t really think it’s worth it. But I would love to run the Indy 500 again. Just doing the Double I think is just logistically too tough.

Kyle Larson said.

Via X, he backed Kyle Larson’s assessment of the undertaking being tough with not just the racing part of, but the no-racing factors such as media, sponsorship and fan meetings that tiers the driver. He had to do all this at Indy 500, while fulfilling his roles with NASCAR. Hence, he understands why the No:5 Chevy driver has doubts about future double attempts.

Talked about this on the 600-post race [Prime Video]. What we don’t see are the meet n greets, photo shoots, team meetings, travel, and more photo shoots, media requests… his plate is already full with those things in NASCAR and to add THE Indy 500!! It’s a Herculean undertaking in May times 10. Unreal.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. wrote on X.

Kyle Larson shared his thoughts on the disappointing performance

In his interview after the Coca Cola 600 disappointment, with a late exit due to an incident involving Chase Briscoe, and he admitted that it wasn’t the day he wanted, and it was just unfortunate that they ran this bad. He also thanked his boss Rick Hendrick and team Arrow McLaren for making it possible for him to experience the double.

13. Kyle Larson
13. Kyle Larson (Via IMAGO)

Just not the day that I wanted, but huge thanks to Rick and Linda Hendrick, all of Hendrick Motorsports, Arrow McLaren, Chevrolet, everybody involved in making the day memorable. It’s just unfortunate, but hopefully we can run it back someday.

Kyle Larson said.

So, does this mean Kyle Larson will never race in the Indy 500 again? No, the veteran wants to one day fulfil his dream of winning the crown jewel race. He will race at IMS again, but it most probably wont a be a double duty attempt and he wants his schedule to be less congested and him to be more concentrated for the main event.

Now he is shifting his focus to the upcoming race weekend at Nashville, with the hopes of getting back on winning form. He also has multiple races to win in the sprint and dirt racing scene in the 2025 season. It would be interesting to see how the star driver in going to perform in those upcoming events.

Also Read: Shane Van Gisbergen Names The “Top Guy at Trackhouse Racing” after Ross Chastain’s Coca Cola 600 triumph