[autotag]Kyle Larson[/autotag] was supposed to attempt “The Double” on May 26; however, the weather didn’t cooperate. Larson and Hendrick Motorsports chose to compete in the 2024 Indianapolis 500 and missed the start of the Coca-Cola 600. NASCAR took over a week to decide whether to give the Hendrick Motorsports driver a waiver and ultimately did so on Tuesday, June 4.
Following the announcement, Hendrick Motorsports owner [autotag]Rick Hendrick[/autotag] released a statement on NASCAR granting Larson a waiver. Hendrick was disappointed with the weather but thanked NASCAR for their flexibility.
“Under normal circumstances, completing ‘The Double’ is one of the toughest tests in sports,” Hendrick said. “Despite our best efforts, this year’s combination of weather conditions in Indianapolis and Charlotte made it impossible. Although losing ground in the standings was hard to swallow, we were especially disappointed for the fans at the Coca-Cola 600 who were not able to see [Kyle Larson] race.”
KYLE LARSON'S FULL QUALIFYING RUN!
Larson ADVANCES TO THE FAST SIX and will GO FOR THE POLE!#Indy500 qualifying on NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/SgjGC2gmH6
— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) May 19, 2024
“I’m extremely proud of everything he did to prepare and the months of planning by our team and our partners at Arrow McLaren to run these two crown jewel events. We hoped race day would play out differently, but the program was still incredibly positive for everyone involved. Kyle’s performance throughout May was a great reflection on the level of talent competing each week in the NASCAR Cup Series. We appreciate NASCAR communicating with us throughout the effort and granting our request for a playoff waiver.”
Larson now sits second in the point standings, only 21 points behind Denny Hamlin. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion entered the Coca-Cola 600 with the points lead but lost it after not competing. It was a disappointing attempt at “The Double” in late May, but Larson should have another opportunity in 2025 if he wants to try it again.
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