CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A moment about 18 months in the making is about to arrive.
Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is set to drive "The Double," planning to race the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte on the same day, this Sunday.
He first announced the decision in January of 2023.
It would be the 11th attempt at the feat since the two races began running on the same day in 1992 and covers 1,100 miles of racing.
But Larson has the talent in both stock car and IndyCar to pull off something special.
In fact, he's the odds-on favorite to win the Coca-Cola 600 and has the fourth-best odds to win the Indy 500.
After a sensational performance at Indy qualifying, Larson will start on Row 2 of the starting grid. NBC Sports commentator and former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe was impressed.
"I've been super impressed with Kyle since the minute he sat in the car for the first time," Hinchcliffe said. "He's so talented and used to jumping into different types of cars."
So many variables will factor into what happens, including weather and logistics, but if Larson can run both races well, he could be one of the best drivers to do "The Double."
Tony Stewart will remain tough to beat, finishing top ten in both races in both 1999 and 2001.
"Kyle has adapted so well that he's put himself in a great position," Hinchcliffe said. "It certainly can be done. He has all the skills required. If he hits his marks right, he's in the right place at the right time, the team does their job and he stays out of trouble, he could absolutely be in that shootout for the last 15-20 laps."
Contact Nick Carboni at ncarboni@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.