Incoming severe weather in Indianapolis could impact the Indy 500 this year, which would put Kyle Larson‘s attempted Indy-Charlotte Double attempt in doubt.
This morning, IMS president Doug Boles gave an event operations briefing about severe weather that could impact Larson running double with the two races. According to Jeff Gluck, Boles emphasized how important the next few hours will be in terms of timing. He also said they’re not going to wait to address bad weather until it’s eight miles out. That’s a decision he’s making out of an abundance of precaution for fans.
“This is a challenging moment for all of us, but the most important thing is for us to keep all of our customers safe,” Boles said.
The hope for Kyle Larson is to go from the Indy 500 to the Coca-Cola 600, which takes place in North Carolina. That means he needs time to compete in Indianapolis and then travel to Charlotte for the next race.
The Indy 500 is set for 12:45 p.m. EST. Meanwhile, the Coca-Cola 600 should be starting at 6:00 p.m. EST. Logistically, given the close turnaround between the projected end of the Indy 500 and the beginning of the Coca-Cola 600, any significant delay in the running of the Indy 500 could make it impossible for Larson to pull the famed double.
Jeff Gluck speculated about what a weather delay could, ultimately, mean for Kyle Larson.
“If the forecast holds and the Indy 500 gets delayed but then starts at, say, 4ish? He simply can’t do both. He’ll have to choose to stay or go,” Gluck posted on social media. “My guess, given all that’s been put into this Indy effort, would be he stays here and misses the 600. But that hasn’t been determined.”
In the next few hours, personnel at IMS are going to be closely monitoring the weather. Their goal is to decide whether the Indy 500 can start on time or not. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson will hope the weather holds so he can attempt his double.
Justin Allgaier on stand-by in Charlotte to drive Kyle Larson’s No. 5 car if needed
The obvious hope is for Kyle Larson to make it to Charlotte to drive his own No. 5 car. However, if need be, Justin Allgaier is on stand-by to take over for him.
According to Allgaier, he fits into Larson’s seat well and isn’t going to take any laps in practice. He was also there on Saturday for the practice session and the debrief in Charlotte.
This isn’t the first time, interestingly enough, that Justin Allgaier has been slated to be the backup for Kyle Larson if needed. Hendrick Motorsports had him prepared to be the backup driver for Larson in the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, though those plans would later be nixed.
Still, the hope is that it doesn’t come to that and Kyle Larson can have his double.
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