Kyle Larson’s Recent Racing Misadventures
2021 NASCAR Cup champion Kyle Larson considers himself a superior “all-around driver” compared to four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen. This year, Larson attempted “The Double,” racing in the Indianapolis 500 before heading to the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600. However, his attempt ended disastrously as he crashed out in both events, incurring substantial damage to multiple race cars. Larson further fueled negativity among fans by insulting popular IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin on race day.
How Did Larson Perform at the Indy 500?
With the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 set close together in time, Larson was eager for both to start on time, especially since he had a helicopter waiting to transport him to Charlotte post-race. A rain delay of about half an hour heightened his impatience. During the race, Scott McLaughlin crashed while warming up his tires, prompting Larson to call McLaughlin a “****ing idiot” over the team radio as he mockingly gave a thumbs-up while passing the wreck.
Unfortunately, Larson’s day worsened when a major error caused him to downshift incorrectly, leading to a spin and collision that involved other cars. This crash was particularly regarded as one of the most reckless mistakes seen at the Indy 500 in years, adding to the expenses incurred by his team due to multiple wrecks.
How Did Larson Fare in the Coca-Cola 600?
After returning to familiar territory in his Chevrolet, Larson started the Coca-Cola 600 strong, even taking an early lead. However, as he raced, he had a close call with the wall, which he managed to avoid, only to later spin out of the race lead due to steering issues. While he thankfully avoided further contact, this error dropped him down the ranks.
About halfway through the race, Larson found himself caught in another mishap when he drove down into the grass to evade a major crash, only to be hit by another spinning car. This incident effectively ended his race, leaving him with a collapsed suspension. This final crash was seen more as a matter of misfortune than a consequence of his driving skills.
Conclusion of Larson’s Double Attempt
Only one driver, Tony Stewart in 2001, has successfully completed the entirety of the 1,100 miles of “The Double.” Larson, on the other hand, only managed about 597.5 miles across both races. In a humorous twist, the winner of the Coke 600, Ross Chastain, outpaced Larson’s total miles in just one race. Larson’s recent performances have called into question his self-proclaimed status as the “best driver in the world.”
