INDIANAPOLIS — As a rain and lightning storm approaches the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson has indicated competing in today’s 108th Indianapolis 500 remains his top priority.
The start of the race has been delayed because of lightning and rain.
In a pre-race interview with NBC Sports’ Marty Snider, Larson reiterated that making his Indy 500 debut was at the top of his list, potentially putting tonight’s Coca-Cola 500 in peril.
“It’s not just my decision, it’s everybody within Hendrick, Rick Hendrick, Hendrick Automotive Group (the sponsor), Hendrick Motorsports all that,” Larson said. “I think we ‘re all part of the decision. Jeff Gordon, Jeff Andrews.
“There’s just been so much time and investment to make this Indy 500 happen. It’s been a buildup for over a year. We need to run it, and I want to; I feel like I have a really good shot to have a good run and potentially win.”
The original plan was for Larson to compete in the entire Indy 500, then take a helicopter to the Indianapolis Airport and fly by private jet to Concord Regional Airport in Concord, North Carolina.
Larson was scheduled to take a helicopter from there to Charlotte Motor Speedway for tonight’s Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Cup Series race.
“I just wish it would all work out, and we could get both races in the full distance,” Larson said. “I don’t care if it’s on the same day. I just want to be able to race both races the full distance. But we’ll see.”
Larson has been incredibly cooperative as he has enjoyed his rookie experience in the Indianapolis 500. He is the American Dairy Association of Indiana Fastest Rookie of the Year winner.
“The experience has been amazing to this point,” Larson said. “It’s really good. It’s the coolest experience I think I’ve ever had at this point. Other than having children, you know that is an awesome experience.
“But as far as I’m concerned, anything, anything, anything is fun and incredible. I have enjoyed every second of it. And I hope to do more in the future and just keep enjoying this place.
“It’s beautiful, the path to training, the tradition, everything. There is nothing that comes close to it.”