Kyle Larson set to skip 2025 Indy 500 qualifying over $1 million NASCAR commitment

NASCAR star Kyle Larson is ready to miss the final stage of qualifying at the Indy 500 to compete in the All-Star Race in North Wilkesboro.

Kyle Larson set to skip 2025 Indy 500 qualifying over $1 million NASCAR commitment

Kyle Larson (Via IMAGO)

Kyle Larson is all set to make a second attempt at the Indy 500 this year. The HMS star will be continuing his NASCAR schedule while also competing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Last year, Larson had decided to miss the Coca Cola 600 for Indy. However, this time around, the 32-year-old is going to prioritize the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro.

The Fast 6, or the final round of qualifying at the Indy 500 sets the stage for the front runners, as the top six compete for pole position. This year, this session will take place an hour later than before, leaving Kyle Larson with just about an hour if he wants to make his way to Wilkesboro, if he makes the top 6 for the Indianapolis race.

The NASCAR All-Star Race has prize money worth $1,000,000. This makes it much harder to resist for Larson. The HMS star admitted that he would be willing to start the Indy 500 from sixth place by missing the Fast 6 in order to make sure he is in contention at North Wilkesboro. Afterall, no driver would be in a position to give up on a potential million-dollar payout, even if it might comprise a race as important as the 500.

I think that I would miss the Fast 6 and go to the All-Star Race. It’s important to race in, it’s a lot of money on the line, so sure it’d be great to you know, have an opportunity to get he pole, but I’d rather race for a million dollars and start sixth [at Indy]. We’ll see.

Kyle Larson told Fox Sports

Following Larson’s decision to prioritize the 500 last year, NASCAR changed its rules to ensure such a case doesn’t happen again. Though, the sport does not have concrete regulations for an exhibition event like the All-Star Race. While Kyle Larson has already affirmed that this year will be his final shot at the ‘greatest spectacle of racing’ for the timebeing.

Kyle Larson wins Xfinity race in Texas in last-minute outing

Ahead of the NASCAR weekend at the Texas Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson was named as the replacement for Connor Zilisch in the No. 88 car for JR Motorsports. He was filling in for Zilisch since the 18-year-old sustained a back injury in Talladega.

Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson at Darlington (Via IMAGO)

In the surprise outing in the Xfinity Series, Kyle Larson managed to take the win for JRM in a race marred by 11 cautions and double overtime. Larson managed to take the lead by a clever undercut on Justin Allgaier. Albeit, Allgaier crashed out from the race later on.

Larson was delighted to clinch victory in Zilisch’s car. The 32-year-old opened up on managing the conditions and making sure he avoided any wrecks. The HMS star went on to thank JRM for giving him the opportunity and hoped that Connor Zilisch recovered soon.

Yeah, there was a lot of survival throughout that race. Just dodging some wrecks, and the balance. We had to work on (it) quite a bit. It was fun. I felt like my car. If I could ever get to the lead, I could stretch out. But I just couldn’t get by Justin [Allgaier]. He was doing a good job of just running where I needed to be. 

Kyle Larson said, as reported by Motorsport.com

Kyle Larson proved yet again that he remains one of the most formidable drivers in NASCAR. The 32-year-old has previously given controversial remarks over his involvement in Xfinity. However, when on-track, Larson simply focuses on what he does best, winning. Fans would be looking to see Larson carry this momentum for the coming All-Star Race and the Indy 500.

Related: Dale Earnhardt Jr. claims he “could have won an F1 race” under one condition