Kyle Larson Prepares for Indy 500: A Look at Day One of the Open Test
By Bruce Martin, Contributor
Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, stepped back into the high-speed world of open-wheel racing on April 23, 2025, at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This venue is renowned for hosting the prestigious Indy 500, and Larson is gearing up for his second attempt at this iconic race. He expressed a contemplative mindset regarding this year's event, hinting that it may be his last for quite some time unless circumstances with his NASCAR Cup Series schedule change.
I don't know, I haven't really had a sit-down discussion with anybody about that, so I don't know, Larson admitted candidly, reflecting on the future of his IndyCar career. In my head, yeah, I'm going into this thinking it's at least for the time being, in the near future, the final Indy 500. But I am still young, and I mentioned on Dale (Earnhardt) Jr.'s Download podcast that maybe someday when I'm not full-time Cup and I can really devote all my mind to Indy, I'd like to do it again. He acknowledged the allure of the event, noting, If I happen to win the Indy 500, I'd probably just ride off into the sunset, too. This mixture of ambition and uncertainty paints a picture of a driver deeply engaged in the sport while contemplating his future.
Larson participated in the Refresher Test, a necessary step for rookies and drivers who do not regularly compete in IndyCar series. However, his entry into the day was not as smooth as he had hoped. Larson was the last of the five drivers required to complete the Refresher Test, which is designed to ensure safety and performance standards are met before high-speed practice runs. After successfully completing Phase 2 of the program, Larson still had to finish eight additional laps in Phase 3 before he could join the other drivers in the main testing session.
Once cleared, Larson joined a competitive field of 34 drivers on the famed 2.5-mile oval. He finished 11th on the speed chart, with a top lap clocked at an impressive 223.430 miles per hour while racing in the No. 17 Hendrickcars.com Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. It was good to get back behind the wheel, Larson noted, acknowledging the challenges of reacclimating himself to the cars dynamics. It doesnt seem like that long ago and figured it would feel normal when I got back in, but it took some getting accustomed to. He also mentioned that the car's handling had shifted due to the introduction of a hybrid system, which affected its balance compared to the previous years model.
Communication is crucial in racing, and Larson encountered some radio issues that day, alongside engine troublescommon hurdles faced during initial test days. Those were all things you would expect on the first day, he remarked, showcasing his understanding that such challenges are part of the racing experience.
Meanwhile, the day's proceedings were disrupted early on by technical difficulties. Five minutes into the first session, a connectivity failure led to a red flag, halting the action for nearly three hours as track-wide communication systems malfunctioned, leaving Race Control unable to communicate with teams and safety crews. With safety as a priority, officials chose to keep the track closed until the situation was resolved. What was intended to be a 10 a.m. start was delayed to 12:45 p.m., when the track finally opened for a session that would last until 4 p.m.
During the testing, Larson's team grappled with some issues affecting his refresher laps but ultimately pushed through to complete the testing. As the final session approached, Larson was able to finalize Phase 3, marking a significant step in his preparations for the upcoming race. The Indy 500 is an event steeped in history and tradition, and Larsons involvement in it for the second consecutive year adds to the excitement surrounding his dual attempts at the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600, which takes place on the same day. Last year, Larson's endeavors to compete in both races were thwarted by inclement weather, leading to a chain of events that nearly jeopardized his season. Despite starting fifth in the 2024 Indy 500 and finishing 18th, he was hopeful for better outcomes this time around.
As preparations continue, Larson is set to focus on the full two-day test session before shifting his attention back to the NASCAR Cup Series, where he will compete at Talladega Superspeedway. I just hope and pray you miss a wreck and can get to the front and stay up front, he reflected on the challenges ahead. Talladega is a place where I havent had a whole bunch of luck, but out of the superspeedways we have, it's probably the one that I finish okay at the most.
Other notable drivers at the test included Team Penskes Josef Newgarden, who is a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and topped the speed charts early on, clocking in at 225.125 miles per hour. However, veteran Scott Dixon overtook him with a lap of 225.182 mph, showcasing the competitive nature of this year's field. Today was really solid to start out, Newgarden stated, emphasizing the importance of car speed in achieving success. He expressed his excitement for the upcoming Month of May, a time when the Indianapolis Motor Speedway becomes the focal point of the racing world.
The testing continues on Thursday, April 24, with an exciting addition: a 2-1/2-hour qualification simulation. Each car will receive an additional boost for the qualification weekend in May, culminating with a three-hour session from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. As Larson and his competitors gear up for this pivotal month, all eyes will be on the historic oval as they chase glory at the Indianapolis 500.
