Kyle Larson takes a far more relaxed approach to preparing for the Indy 500

Don't expect Kyle Larson to be doing limitless laps testing an Indy automotive ahead of this yr's 109th Indianapolis 500 on May 25.

A yr ago, the California native spared no expense in preparing for his maiden attempt at “The Double” – taking up the Indy 500 and the 600-mile NASCAR Cup Series race in Charlotte on the identical Sunday of Memorial Day weekend (a joint effort with Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports). He competed within the Indy 500 Rookie Test in October 2023 after which accomplished roughly 172 laps at Phoenix Raceway in February 2024. This was followed by the annual Indy Open Test in April, which allowed Larson to get a feel for the course conditions of the remainder of the Indy competitors 500 a month before the race.

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Larson did not grow to be the fifth driver to start out each races as rain delayed the 2024 Indy 500, by which he began fifth and finished 18th, and the Cup race was called early after 249 of the 400 laps, causing no was capable of turn a lap despite arriving late in Charlotte.

While the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion goals to finish “The Double” this time around, his preparation for Indy won’t be as intense.

“The first time you go through it, you know what to expect,” Larson said Motor sports. “Last yr I didn't know what to anticipate from anything. So I feel like in some ways I've overprepared – which remains to be good, but once I do it, it's no different to what I'm used to.

Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports

Photo: Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsport Images

No preparations…yet

It's very likely that Larson will probably be the starter – and potentially Just – Driving time within the No. 17 Arrow McLaren-Hendrick Chevrolet prior to the Indy 500 will probably be awarded throughout the Open Test, which will probably be held April 23-24 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“I haven't done any preparation and I think I probably won't do anything until the open test in April and then I'll start the 500 for a few weeks shortly thereafter,” Larson said. “I haven't had a probability to refer to anyone from McLaren. I don't know what my team looks like. I don't know anything about it.”

One person, this Larson habit who he’ll find a way to depend on when he returns to Indy will probably be Brian Campe, the Indy 500-winning engineer who helped Larson transition to Indy cars. Campe, who was working at Hendrick Motorsports on the time, joined Arrow McLaren after the 2024 500, then left in October to hitch Legacy Motor Club as technical director.

Kyle Larson (right) on the right track in his Arrow McLaren throughout the 2024 Indy 500

Photo: Phillip Abbott / Motorsport Images

While Larson waits to see how his IndyAutomobile team will shape up, he is targeted on this week's Chili Bowl Nationals after which the upcoming NASCAR season.

“I just focused on off-season racing and getting the NASCAR season started,” said Larson, fresh off an early victory within the Chili Bowl on Monday night. “I feel we'll discover soon enough for Indy. But when it comes to preparation and stuff like that, I haven't done anything and I don't think there's any extravagance or anything special that it’s good to do to arrange for this race. “