Kyle Larson forced NASCAR to push the start of the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro due to his IndyCar qualifying. NASCAR has confirmed the delay was Larson-related. Larson stunned in Indy 500 after finishing P1 in the fast 12 qualifying.
The IndyCar rookie is doing double duty this weekend. Larson will start the prestigious race from inside the top 5 in the second row alongside Alexander Rossi and Santino Ferrucci.
Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin won the Indy 500 pole position with an average qualifying time of 234.220 mph.
After the qualifying, the Hendrick Motorsport star and Jeff Gordon were seen rushing to their motorcade after the session.
Moreover, NASCAR has pushed back the timings of the All-Star race by 16 minutes. Here is what the new timings are:
Driver intros: 7:45 p.m
Invocation: 8:16 p.m
Anthem: 8:17.35 p.m
Command: 8:24 p.m
Green flag: 8:30 p.m
NASCAR reporter Alan Cavanna tweeted on X,
“NASCAR moving the All-Star race start 16 minutes to about 8:30pm ET. Yes, it’s Larson-related. Everyone working together to make sure the day is as fun as possible.”
Larson, who has won 2 races this season, will be looking for his 3rd at North Wilkesboro. The Hendrick Motorsport driver has won at Kansas and Las Vegas so far this year.
Kyle Larson chasing ‘a million bucks’ at North Wilkesboro after IndyCar heroics
Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson impressed fans and pundits alike with his IndyCar qualifying heroics. The 2021 Cup Series champion qualified top of the charts in IndyCar fast 12.
Speaking to NBC Sports after the session, Larson said,
“Now, we switch the mindset over to the heavy Stock car and try and go figure out North Wilkesboro. Yeah, excited to get there and chase a million bucks.”
Joey Logano won the pole position in the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro. Meanwhile, HMS driver Kyle Larson’s seat was filled in by retired champion Kevin Harvick for the qualifying session.
With NASCAR bending the rules specifically for the HMS star, can Kyle Larson put on a show for the NASCAR faithful?