IndyCar News: Kyle Larson Completes Rookie Orientation Program at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
In a thrilling week in Indiana, NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson has made headlines in the IndyCar world. On Tuesday, the 31-year-old secured the High Limit Sprint Car Series title at Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville. Less than 48 hours later, Larson hopped into Arrow McLaren’s #6 IndyCar entry to attempt the rookie orientation program (ROP) required to participate in the iconic Indy 500.
Larson successfully completed the program, clearing all three phases and posting an impressive fastest lap of 217.898 miles per hour. “Yeah, just going to feel what an INDYCAR feels like, be low to the ground, feel the acceleration through the gears was pretty crazy,” said Larson. “All of that was eye-opening and an experience that I know for sure I’ll never forget. I look forward to kind of getting around cars, feeling how the dirty air affects things.”
“This is very, very important to us, no different than Garage 56. When we said we were going to do it, we spent a year, whatever it took, to do it. Although we don’t have as much to do in this situation as we did in that one, but still we want to look the part, be the part, and put our best efforts into it.”
- Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports in the Cup Series and sponsor of Larson’s attempt at completing the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 in the same day
Larson and recent Chip Ganassi Racing signee Kyffin Simpson are the only drivers set to race in next year’s Indy 500 with no previous IndyCar Series starts. This makes Larson the latest driver to participate in IndyCar in any capacity with no prior open-wheel experience, joining drivers like Scott McLaughlin, Agustin Canapino, and Tom Blomqvist.
Meanwhile, Marcus Armstrong, Linus Lundqvist, and Blomqvist completed their ROP during testing on Wednesday. Although all three drivers have started in at least one IndyCar race before, none have driven on an oval, making them “rookies” for the 108th running in May. Meyer Shank Racing’s Blomqvist laid down the fastest time of both days between the four rookies, averaging a speed of 220.176 miles per hour around the 2.5-mile oval.
Simpson and any rookies to come who didn’t participate in this week’s test will likely complete their ROP at IndyCar’s annual oval test in April or during opening practice for the 500 in Mid-May. With the IndyCar 2023 season fast approaching, fans are eagerly anticipating the Indy 500, where Larson and other rookies will put their skills to the test. Stay tuned for more IndyCar news and updates on the upcoming season!
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