Kyle Larson to Remain in Indianapolis 500 Field After Weather Delay
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 18: Kyle Larson of USA (17) driving for Arrow Mclaren during qualifications for the NTT IndyCar Series Indianapolis 500 Qualifying on May 18, 2024 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
3:30 p.m. ET Update: The Indianapolis 500 is expected to start a 4:44 p.m. ET based on the latest tentative schedule from the NBC broadcast. Kyle Larson will remain in the the field for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500, which could put his chances to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 in jeopardy.
The Indianapolis 500 has been delayed due to a severe thunderstorm passing through the area Sunday afternoon. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway asked fans in the stands to leave the speedway as the lightning and rain approaches.
"Given the proximity of lightning moving toward the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a decision has been made to pause the pre-race ceremonies and move fans out of the grandstands and Snake Pit," the Indianapolis Motor Speedway said in a statement via social media. "Spectators are encouraged to follow the instructions of IMS team members. They should exit the grandstands in an orderly fashion and implement their personal safety plans. The start of the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will also be delayed. Additional updates on timing will be communicated."
The green flag for the 108th Indy 500 was set for 12:45 p.m. ET but the expectation from Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug Boles is the track will be dry by 3 p.m. ET.
The delay will impact Kyle Larson more than most drivers on the track. Larson hopes to become the fifth driver to attempt the "The Double" by racing in the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the same day. The Coca-Cola 600 is expected to start at 6 p.m. ET.
Larson said his plan is to keep the Indy 500 as the priority despite the incoming weather system.
"I'm bummed about that in a way," Larson said when asked about how this will impact his plans to attempt "The Double" Sunday. "I think it's all spur of the moment decisions and factors, but we'll see. We don't know exactly how big the storm will be or what the weather behind it looks like. I do know there's rain behind this first storm, but I just don't know how long after. So I'm sure that will factor into any decision as far as if we get this race in or not."
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