Kyle Larson is scheduled to make the first on-track step toward his 2024 Indianapolis 500 bid on Thursday, participating in Rookie Orientation Program testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is set to test the Arrow McLaren/Hendrick Motorsports IndyCar entry for the first time from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET on the 2.5-mile track. The test, a requirement for entry, will involve three controlled sessions with progressively higher speeds at each phase — 10 laps between 205-210 mph, 15 laps at 210-215 mph and 15 laps faster than 215 mph.
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Rookie orientation marks a preliminary checklist item for Larson’s aspirations of competing in two crown-jewel races on May 26, 2024. The project — dubbed the “Hendrick 1100” by the team — is set to include 500 miles in the Indianapolis classic before he travels to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR’s longest race.
Larson is attempting to become the fifth driver to compete in both Memorial Day races. He was preceded in the endeavor by John Andretti, Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon and most recently, Kurt Busch in 2014.
Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick, vice chairman Jeff Gordon, and Arrow McLaren sporting director Tony Kanaan — the 2013 Indy 500 winner — are scheduled to attend Larson’s test.