Kyle Larson, the current Brickyard 400 champion, has made a surprising decision to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the upcoming Brickyard weekend. Originally slated for a broadcasting role with CW, Larson will instead drive the No. 17 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports on Saturday, adding an unexpected highlight to his 2025 season.

Building on Past Success at the Indianapolis Oval

Larson’s choice to race follows his remarkable victory last year at the Brickyard 400, where he edged out Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick in a gripping double-overtime finish. His skillful fuel management and aggressive approach secured this first win at the legendary 2.5-mile track while marking Hendrick Motorsports’ eleventh Brickyard 400 triumph. This win also served as a comeback after challenges earlier in 2024, when Larson attempted The Double, competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.

In his IndyCar debut at the 2024 Indianapolis 500, Larson started from fifth position and led for four laps before a pit-road speeding penalty relegated him to 18th place. Subsequent rain delays prevented him from starting the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, where Justin Allgaier took his place. Despite these setbacks, Larson earned Rookie of the Year honors at Indy and received a NASCAR waiver to keep his playoff chance alive. His planned return for the 2025 Indy 500 demonstrates his determination to excel at this iconic venue across multiple racing disciplines.

Adding Excitement to an Eventful Brickyard Weekend

Larson’s participation in the Xfinity Series race, the Pennzoil 250 presented by Advance Auto Parts, enhances an already busy weekend of racing. Having competed twice in the Indy 500 and won last year’s NASCAR event at Indianapolis, Larson is a strong contender on the oval. His recent experience includes a crash during IndyCar testing in April, which he views as a valuable lesson for his 2025 campaign rather than a setback.

Choosing to race instead of broadcasting reflects Larson’s reputation as a versatile and fearless competitor. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion excels in NASCAR, IndyCar, and dirt track racing, thriving in high-pressure situations. His presence in the Xfinity race promises intense competition and reinforces his connection to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a track he reveres as “hallowed ground.” Fans eager to witness another thrilling performance will watch closely as Larson pursues further success on the storied oval.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Kyle Larson better than Verstappen?

A. While Larson may not outshine Verstappen in Formula 1, he is more adaptable than anyone else globally. Bianchi believes Larson stands out because his experience is more diverse. He consistently achieves victories across a wide range of car types.