“Generational" Kyle Larson lauded by NASCAR president for his daring double duty attempt

NASCAR president Steve Phelps has branded Hendrick Motorsports star Kyle Larson as a "generational driver." The former Cup Series champion is set to make his IndyCar debut later this week.

Kyle Larson, who initially rose to prominence with Chip Ganassi Racing, solidified his reputation as a formidable talent following his move to Hendrick Motorsports. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion's stellar season included 10 victories, marking one of the most successful campaigns in recent NASCAR history.

Larson has since established himself as one of NASCAR's all-time greats, even being named under the official list of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers. The Elk Grove native is taking his racing career to new heights this season, as he has set out to attempt "the double"– competing in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 race in the same weekend.

Following Larson's stellar Indy 500 qualifying performance and a fourth-place finish in the NASCAR All-Star race, NASCAR president Steve Phelps lauded the HMS driver's racing prowess. Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Phelps said:

"He's a generational driver. He is just that good. We talked about him winning last night. The kid wins in everything. And he is so non-chalant about it. He's not arrogant, he is just a cool kid who loves to race."

He emphasized on Larson's shot at both Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 races. On this, Phelps added:

"I think the double is unique. We have had drivers do it in the past. I would suggest, and it is not a hyperbole or me promoting the Kyle Larson deal or the double, I think he has got a good shot at anyone to win it.

"And how cool would that be, he went to Indy 500, and then turned around and went to Coke 600? I mean that's spectacular. But I think he can do it. If he's got wheels on it, this kid can drive it and he can win."

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"That would put you up in the category with Mario Andretti or guys like that" - Kyle Larson on whether winning Indy 500 would force his name into the "greatest" conversation

Larson himself remains focused on the monumental task ahead. In an interview with The Athletic, he reflected on the potential impact of an Indy 500 victory on his legacy. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion said:

"I’m not sure. I don’t even know how many times I might compete in this event. But yeah, it definitely would help. Let’s say I imagine myself winning, then yeah, that puts my name in a totally different category."

Kyle Larson recognized that winning the Indy 500 would dramatically elevate his recognition and legacy in the global motorsport community. He added:

"If you were to win the Indy 500, most all those people who don’t know who I am right now would know who I was. That would put you up in the category with Mario Andretti or guys like that."

Tony Stewart is the only driver so far to complete the double. He achieved this feat in 2001.