2024 Indianapolis 500 Coverage

Kyle Larson Heads To IMS This Week For Indy 500 Rookie Test

Kyle Larson Heads To IMS This Week For Indy 500 Rookie Test

Kyle Larson is among four drivers participating in a rookie test this week at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in preparation for the 2024 Indy 500.

Oct 9, 2023 by Tyler Burnett
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Kyle Larson is among four drivers this week that will make their first laps in an IndyCar at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as part of the series' post-season rookie orientation. 

The track is designated for rookie orientation program from October 11-13, and Larson will likely hit the track Thursday in his Arrow Mclaren HendrickCars.com No. 17. Chip Ganassi Racing's Marcus Armstrong and Linus Lundqvist, along with Meyer Shank Racing's Tom Blomqvist, will also be participating. 

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VIDEO: Kyle Larson discusses his trip to the Indiana Motor Speedway in May and his Indy 500 plans. 

The rookie orientation is made up of three phases a driver must pass. The first phase is 10 laps at 205-210 mph, the second is 15 laps at 210-215 mph and the final being 15 laps at 215-plus mph. Larson has raced a NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series machine on the 2.5 oval layout, but getting the IndyCar up to speed this week will be a new experience. 

"I'm extremely excited. It hasn't really set in yet that this is reality because I'm so busy," Larson said. "Once I have time this offseason to sit around and think about the upcoming season, it's really going to hit and that's when the nervousness and excitement will kick in. I have thought about the rookie orientation and I am nervous. Hopefully once I get in the car for the first laps it'll feel like home like every other car."

Larson will be in Indiana for the High Limit Sprint Car series finale at Lincoln Park Speedway on Tuesday, October 10. He holds a 15-point lead over Rico Abreu in the points standings entering the championship race. 

Race fans can watch the High Limit Sprint Car Series finale live on FloRacing. If you're not already a FloRacing subscriber, click here to sign up today.