Kyle Larson breaks down how IndyCar legend Tony Kanaan and Kurt Busch is helping him in Indy 500 preparation

Kyle Larson and Kurt Busch are former NASCAR teammates.

Kyle Larson breaks down how IndyCar legend Tony Kanaan and Kurt Busch is helping him in Indy 500 preparation

Tony Kannan, Kyle Larson (In Circle) and Kurt Busch (Via IMAGO)

Kyle Larson is set to make his Indy 500 debut in 2024 with Arrow McLaren racing. His NASCAR team boss Rick Hendrick is the one who is sponsoring Larson’s dream debut, that to with one of the best teams in the garage. It will be a busy week for the 2021 Cup champion as he will have to race in the Coca-Cola 600 within 12 hours of the Indy race.

Kyle Larson is leaning on some of the Motorsports legends as he prepares for his debut. He is seeking advice from IndyCar legend Tony Kanaan and 2004 NASCAR Cup champion Kurt Busch. Busch is the last NASCAR driver to race in Indy 500 while being an active Cup racer and he was also able to secure a P6 finish in the race. 

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I really haven’t talked to too many drivers yet. Tony Kanaan has been the guy you know, when I’ve been at these tests, that’s been the one that really you know, point things out and help me. As it gets closer, you know, I really foresee myself kind of leaning on Kurt Busch a fair amount, if he wants me to. 
Larson said via Dale Jr. Download podcast.

Busch and Larson have a previous bond as they were both teammates at Chip Ganassi racing and Busch was also a mentor figure Larson looked up to while growing up. Kanaan has been with Larson as a mentor for his Indy rookie test with Arrow McLaren as well. 

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Kyle Larson is also planning to speak to Jimmie Johnson

Larson is also planning to talk to NASCAR Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson. The Legacy MC owner-driver is the last NASCAR star to race in the Indy 500 and will have some latest insights to offer. The HMS driver connection between them would help as well.

Kyle Larson Jimmie Johnson
Kyle Larson and Jimmie Johnson (Via IMAGO)
You know, I don’t want to confuse myself with things. I don’t want to have to filter through what everybody’s saying. So, you know, Jimmie [Johnson] would be a good guy to talk to, just because he’s done it most recently. But again, I don’t want to — I don’t want to overload myself either. I think, to a point, you almost have to try and figure some things out on your own way
Larson said.

But the champion driver is cautious about taking advice as well. He doesn’t have too much information that could confuse him and wants to learn a few things of his own. Larson’s approach so far is the right one as learning on his own while taking some advice from veterans of the sport. 

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