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Kyle Larson’s attempt at “The Double” last weekend has inspired other big-name stars to pursue the same. Whether or not they can or will do it is uncertain as of right now, but, these are all of the motorsports drivers interested in attempting “The Double”
Kyle Busch has been interested in competing in the Indianapolis 500 for years. He said back in 2017 that he had a deal lined up to compete in the race, but “A boss” said no. Later, he jokingly clarified that he had “Two bosses,” team owner Joe Gibbs and Busch’s wife Samantha. As to who said no, we don’t know exactly who it was, but Busch’s first attempt at running the Indy 500 was squashed.
Shortly after Kyle Larson announced his “Double” attempt in 2023, Busch said to Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports, “Larson got the ride that I was slated to get. He’s got that locked up for two years, so I don’t know if it’ll ever happen.” Busch later said that he had sponsorship lined up but could not find a ride. However, Richard Childress recently voiced his support for Busch to run in the Indy 500, so, it’s not impossible.
Ryan Blaney spoke to the media prior to the 2024 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, and he proposed an interesting idea: he and 2024 Indy 500 polesitter Scott McLaughlin both attempt “The Double.” This would be very interesting as McLaughlin cut his teeth in Australian Supercars, and multiple Supercars drivers are interested in NASCAR.
Given that both drivers race for Roger Penske, the connections are there to make this happen. It would be incredible for motorsports fans to see a Cup Series Champion and a top IndyCar driver both attempt two of the biggest races in motorsports.
Two-Time defending Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden spoke to the media in the days following the Indy 500, and he expressed interest in doing “The Double”. Newgarden, like McLaughlin and Blaney, races for Team Penske, an easy connection to compete in both races.
However, this is a stretch at this point. McLaughlin also faces the issue of the Indy 500 being the biggest race in IndyCar. Would it serve Newgarden and/or McLaughlin well to be distracted during the Month of May by racing in a rival series?
Hopefully in the future I can figure out how to make it happen.
Tyler Reddick to Fox Sports During Coca-Cola 600 Rain Delay
Tyler Reddick expressed interest in completing “The Double” during the Coca-Cola 600 rain delay. He later pointed out that his wife seemed less than thrilled with the prospect, which could be an obstacle. However, it would be cool to see Reddick attempt the Indianapolis 500.
Reddick had a similar upbringing to Larson, and the two raced against each other on the way up. It will be interesting to see if Reddick can use that skillset to have the same success Larson did at Indianapolis before the speeding penalty did Larson in.
Justin Haley told Kickin The Tires that he has actually turned down the opportunity to race in the Indianapolis 500. He has a closer connection to the race than some others because he is from Winamac, Indiana, located about two hours north of Indianapolis. However, Haley turned those opportunities down to focus on his NASCAR career.
It’s surely possible that Haley could do “The Double,” but he wouldn’t move the needle like others on this list would. Still, it would be a fun story and interesting to see what Haley could do.
Who would you like to see do “The Double?” Let us know on Discord or X what your take is, and don’t forget you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and even YouTube.
