Gamble: Kyle Larson eyes redemption in second Double attempt, Western PA Sprint Speedweek returns
Kyle Larson, often referred to as the “wheel man,” continues to redefine versatility in motorsports. Known for his innate ability to conquer a wide variety of race cars — from Sprint Cars to NASCAR to Midgets to Indy cars — Larson rose from the dirt tracks to become NASCAR’s 2021 Cup Series champion.
Now, he’s aiming to cement his legacy by attempting the grueling 1,100-mile "Double" once again.
In 2024, Larson made his highly anticipated debut at the Indianapolis 500 in his McLaren, finishing 18th after a pit road speeding penalty and a four-hour rain delay. Unfortunately, the weather disrupted his plans to race later that day in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, forcing him to miss the NASCAR portion of the “Double.”
Tony Stewart is the only driver who has completed running all the laps at both tracks on the same day.
Undeterred, Larson will attempt this exhausting feat again Sunday.
In preparation, Indianapolis management, Hendrick Motorsports and Arrow McLaren have collaborated to institute the new “Kyle Larson Rule,” which gives priority to the Coca-Cola 600 for Larson. All drivers were informed a replacement driver can take place for him if an unusual situation occurs. Tony Kanaan, the 2013 Indy 500 winner, is set as Larson’s reserve driver should circumstances force a change mid-event and will have to go to the rear of the field.
While Larson's name dominates national headlines, he’s also a fixture in the dirt racing world. He’s racked up wins in elite events including the Chili Bowl, Eldora’s Kings Royal, Prairie Dirt Classic and back-to-back victories at the Don Martin Memorial Sprint race in 2022 and 2023.
Given the diversity and difficulty of these victories, Larson's achievements across multiple disciplines will be difficult repeated.
The annual Western PA Sprint Speedweek kicks off Wednesday. The five-day tour includes stops at:
- Wednesday: Mercer Raceway ($3,500 to win)
- Thursday: Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway ($3,500 to win)
- Friday: Lernerville Speedway ($4,000 to win)
- Saturday: Sharon Speedway ($5,000 to win)
- Sunday: Tri-City Raceway Park (3,500 to win)
A point fund will award $3,000 to the Speedweek champion.
Lernerville’s Friday feature is called The Jean Lynch Classic. Lynch lived in Apollo but worked throughout the U.S. promoting auto racing. She was a general manager/promoter, racing official, publicist and scorer for various tracks and racing associations such as NASCAR, Championship Auto Racing Tracks, All Star Circuit of Champions and East Bay (Fla.) Winter Sprint Nationals, plus more.
- Darin Gallagher is temporarily sidelined after his 358 Modified engine gave out. He’s now behind the wheel of his wife Chelsie’s Crate Modified. Chelsie, who is expecting their first child, plans to return to racing in 2026.
- Lernerville Speedway hosted a strong BRP Modified Tour field with 37 entries, including three Canadian drivers: Mat Williamson, Dillon Slack and Tyler Willard. Williamson captured the win over New York’s Erick Rudolph.
- Brian Swartzlander, the retired Hall of Fame Modified driver, returned to action in Bill Rose’s car, though mechanical issues cut the night short. Rose, who competes in the World of Outlaws and Silver Crown Sprint series, would like to do some Block Modifies racing. The plan is for Swartzlander to run some Super Dirt Series. They also would like to field both a Sprint and both Modifieds at the Charlotte World Finals.
- Brenton Kay, 19, made his Big Block Modified debut at Lernerville after leaving the Crate Modified class. The Grove City native, supported by his father and car owner Scott Kay, intends to run the BRP Tour and weekly shows.
- Davey Jones celebrates his 50th year in racing this season. “I just love to race,” he said.
The racing community mourns the loss of Andy Lutz, who died May 7. A legend of Western Pennsylvania racing with over 400 career wins, Lutz was inducted into the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Hall of Fame in 2009. Racing was a true family affair for Lutz, with his late wife, Billie J., son and grandson all involved in the sport.
Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle
