Kyle Larson’s recent NASCAR struggles have raised questions about whether the driver is losing his competitive edge following his attempts to compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in the same weekend. These back-to-back challenges, spanning 2024 and 2025, have tested Larson’s focus and performance at top-tier race tracks across the country.

The toll of consecutive Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 efforts

Kyle Larson has built a reputation as a versatile racer, thriving on a mix of racing disciplines from sprint cars on dirt tracks to the NASCAR Cup Series. Over the past two years, he has tried to conquer the demanding Indianapolis 500-Coca-Cola 600 Double, which involves competing in both the iconic IndyCar and NASCAR races held on the same day. However, neither attempt has yielded the high-level performance Larson hoped to achieve.

In 2024, Larson qualified fifth for the Indy 500, then hurried to North Wilkesboro Speedway for the NASCAR All-Star Race. Although he made it to the race, questions remained about his preparedness and mindset after such a tight schedule. On race day, weather delays affected the Indy 500’s start, but Larson stayed on track. Despite leading laps with an off-strategy approach, he finished 18th. He raced to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600, but arrived after the race had started. By that time, rain fell heavily and the event was ultimately called off, negating his Double attempt.

In 2025, Larson returned for another try under tighter NASCAR rules that no longer allow missed starts. This greater pressure added distraction even before qualifying for the Indy 500. On May 25, Larson faced significant difficulties. He crashed in turn two on lap 92 of the Indy 500, marking his third crash related to his Double effort. After likely ending his final Indy 500 challenge, he rushed to Charlotte only to crash again on lap 246 of the Coca-Cola 600. These events contributed to a troubling stretch of poor finishes in the Cup Series through the summer.

Signs of struggle and waning momentum for Kyle Larson

Larson’s run of strong performances appears to have faltered since the challenging Double attempts. Before May, he had cemented his place near the top of the NASCAR Cup Series with three wins, including victories at Kansas Speedway and the All-Star Race. However, in the 11 races following the Coca-Cola 600, he has earned top-five finishes only three times. A recent runner-up finish to Bubba Wallace at the Brickyard 400 was a bright spot, but his overall performance has been uneven.

His laps led dropped notably after late May, with only 22 laps led since the Coca-Cola 600. Larson’s struggles were especially evident at Iowa Speedway, where a Saturday race saw him collide with teammate Chase Elliott and engage in multiple on-track incidents with other drivers. His radio communications during the race revealed frustration and uncharacteristic anger. He finished 28th in Iowa, marking the fourth time since the Indy 500 that he has placed 28th or worse, underscoring how momentum has slipped away at a critical juncture of the season.

Still the driver to watch despite recent setbacks

Despite the frustrations surrounding his recent results, Kyle Larson remains a formidable competitor who has demonstrated resilience throughout his career. Upcoming races at Watkins Glen International and Richmond Raceway, tracks where Larson has recorded wins before, represent important opportunities for him to reclaim his form and confidence.

What Larson needs now most is to regain his position among the leaders and reconnect with the qualities that made him NASCAR Cup Series champion. Supported by a top crew chief and team, Larson is well-equipped to rebound. Although the current season’s challenges have tested him, the intrinsic determination and skill that define his career suggest he will remain competitive.

As the NASCAR playoffs approach, many expect Larson to reassert himself in the championship fight. While the ongoing NASCAR summer stretch has been difficult, his past success and ability to adapt indicate his best racing is still ahead.