INDIANAPOLIS — Kyle Larson, the reigning Brickyard 400 champion, will compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday, a last-minute addition to his 2025 schedule.
Initially set to join the CW broadcast booth for the event, Larson will now pilot the No. 17 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, adding another chapter to his storied history at the iconic 2.5-mile oval.
Larson’s decision to race comes after a standout performance at Indianapolis last year, where he clinched the Brickyard 400 in a dramatic double-overtime finish. His aggressive driving and strategic fuel management propelled him past Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick, securing his first victory at the track and marking Hendrick Motorsports’ 11th Brickyard 400 win. The triumph was a redemption of sorts for Larson, who had faced disappointment earlier in 2024 during his attempt at “The Double”—racing the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
In his Indy 500 debut last May, Larson qualified an impressive fifth and ran competitively, leading four laps before a pit-road speeding penalty dropped him to 18th. Rain delays further disrupted his plans, preventing him from starting the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, where Justin Allgaier filled in. Despite the setback, Larson earned Indy 500 Rookie of the Year honors and later received a NASCAR waiver to maintain playoff eligibility. His return to Indianapolis for the 2025 Indy 500, underscores his commitment to mastering the track in both IndyCar and NASCAR.
Larson’s Xfinity Series entry adds intrigue to an already packed weekend, with the Pennzoil 250 presented by Advance Auto Parts serving as a prelude to the Brickyard 400. His familiarity with the Indianapolis oval, honed through two Indy 500 starts and last year’s NASCAR victory, positions him as a formidable contender. In April, Larson experienced his first IndyCar crash during open testing at the track, but he emerged unfazed, viewing it as a learning opportunity for his 2025 Indy 500 campaign.
Opting to race rather than commentate, Larson brings his versatile skill set to the Xfinity field. Known for his success across NASCAR, IndyCar, and dirt track racing, the 2021 Cup Series champion thrives under pressure. His addition to the Xfinity lineup promises high-energy competition and a chance to further cement his legacy at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a venue he describes as “hallowed ground.” Fans will watch closely as Larson chases another victory on the storied oval.
ICYMI, NASCAR will not be going back to Chicago.
