Tony Kanaan completed his veteran refresher course Thursday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, securing his role as the backup driver for NASCAR star Kyle Larson in the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 25.

The 50-year-old Brazilian, now Arrow McLaren’s team principal, ran 30 laps in the No. 17 Arrow McLaren/Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, averaging 217.102 MPH with no issues, ensuring he’s race-ready if Larson has to prioritize May 25's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the NASCAR Cup Series.

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Kanaan’s refresher, delayed two days by rain, was needed to comply with IndyCar rules, which require a backup driver to pass a test in the same car.

Last year, Larson’s attempt at the Memorial Day Double—racing the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—was disrupted by weather, forcing him to ultimately miss the Charlotte race, also curtailed by rain.

In 2024, Kanaan couldn’t substitute due to not completing a refresher, leaving rookie Nolan Siegel as the only eligible backup. This time, Arrow McLaren ensured the 2013 Indy 500 champion was prepared to avoid a repeat. If substituted, the car would start 33rd, per IndyCar regulations.

Larson, the 2024 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year, aims to complete the Hendrick 1100 in 2025, but NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 takes priority due to his NASCAR commitments. Kanaan, who retired from full-time racing after his 22nd Indy 500 start in 2023, emphasized his focus is on supporting Larson.

“Hopefully, Mother Nature lets Kyle start this race,” Kanaan told FOX Sports in an interview Wednesday, noting his team principal duties and sponsor commitments. 

Larson chases the rare feat of completing the Memorial Day Double only achieved by four drivers: John Andretti (1994), Robby Gordon (2000, '02-'04), Tony Stewart (1999 and 2001), and Kurt Busch (2014).

The 109th Indy 500 will air on FOX, though blacked out locally in Indianapolis. Practice resumes Thursday through 6 p.m. ET ahead of Fast Friday where Indy 500 hopefuls practice with a turbocharger adding 100 horsepower.