Kyle Larson Faces Backlash After Coca-Cola 600 No-Show
It was supposed to be one of the biggest weekends in motorsports. With Kyle Larson attempting the legendary Memorial Day “Double”—competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600—fans across the country were glued to their screens, ready to witness history.
But instead of headlines celebrating a daring feat of endurance and talent, the motorsports world was left in a swirl of controversy and disappointment. Larson never showed up at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
As soon as the checkered flag waved in Indianapolis, questions mounted. Weather delays had pushed the Indy 500 into the late afternoon, and while Larson drove admirably, finishing P18 in his debut, the window to make it to Charlotte was shrinking. Rumors of logistical plans involving helicopters and private jets swirled online, but as fans filed into the Coca-Cola 600 and the driver introductions came and went, one thing became clear: Kyle Larson would not be racing in NASCAR’s longest event of the year.
Fans, media, and fellow competitors were quick to react. Social media exploded with speculation, anger, and disappointment. For many, Larson’s absence wasn’t just a scheduling mishap—it felt like a betrayal.
“You don’t leave your team hanging, not on a day like this,” one fan tweeted, echoing a sentiment shared by many in the NASCAR community. “We all support the Double, but not at the expense of the team and fans who show up expecting to see their driver compete.”
Hendrick Motorsports released a brief statement late Sunday night confirming Larson’s absence and thanking backup driver Justin Allgaier for stepping in. The team praised Allgaier’s effort—he brought the No. 5 car home in 13th place—but the damage had been done in the eyes of many.
Adding fuel to the fire were comments from fellow drivers who, while respectful, didn’t hold back.
“We all know how tight Memorial Day weekend can be,” said Denny Hamlin. “But it’s also about priorities. You gotta decide what means more—and stick with it.”
Joey Logano was more measured in his response: “Doing the Double is iconic, no doubt. But NASCAR fans are some of the most loyal in all of sports. They remember stuff like this.”
Larson, for his part, took to Instagram the following day with an emotional video explaining his side of the story. Visibly drained and still wearing his IndyCar team gear, he expressed deep regret.
“I wanted so badly to be in both races. I had my team, my family, and my heart set on making it happen,” Larson said. “The weather just didn’t cooperate. We thought we had time, but things spiraled. I hate that I let anyone down.”
Still, the apology did little to quell the backlash. Some fans empathized with his dilemma, noting the unique nature of attempting the Double and the logistical hurdles involved. But others were less forgiving, pointing out that such a risk should have been better managed—or never taken in the first place.
NASCAR’s higher-ups remained publicly supportive, but sources within the paddock revealed that there were tense internal discussions about the precedent set by Larson’s decision. Several sponsors reportedly expressed concern over the missed exposure on a marquee weekend.
Off the track, the implications could stretch into contract negotiations and future plans. Hendrick Motorsports had heavily promoted Larson’s Double attempt, making it a central piece of their 2024 marketing. If sponsors feel shortchanged, repercussions may follow.
And yet, amid the firestorm, there were also voices calling for understanding. Legendary driver Tony Stewart, who once attempted the Double himself, came to Larson’s defense.
“People don’t understand how hard it is to pull this off. You’re running two races in two different states, with no margin for error. He tried, man. He gave it everything,” Stewart said. “We should be celebrating the attempt, not crucifying him for things out of his control.”
Larson’s attempt—and subsequent absence—also sparked a wider conversation about the feasibility of the Memorial Day Double in today’s era of hyper-scheduled, tightly controlled motorsports. In an age where every detail is planned to the minute, can drivers truly manage such a bold challenge anymore?
“Maybe this is the wake-up call,” said a longtime NASCAR analyst. “If we want to see drivers attempt the Double, then the sport has to work with them. That means coordinating start times, transportation, everything. Otherwise, we’re setting them up to fail.”
As the dust settles, the road ahead for Kyle Larson is uncertain. He remains one of the most talented and respected drivers in the sport, but trust once lost is hard to regain—especially in NASCAR, where loyalty runs deep.
For now, he’ll return to the No. 5 car and finish the season as strongly as he can. But questions will linger. Will fans forgive him? Will his sponsors stay committed? Will he try the Double again?
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the 2024 Coca-Cola 600 will be remembered not for the race itself, but for the driver who wasn’t there.
