Kyle Larson began his Rookie Orientation Program at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the number 17 McLaren Hendrick.
The 2021 NASCAR champion took his first steps to his Indy 500 debut in 2024.
Larson ran 10 laps at 205-210mph, followed by 15 laps at 210-215mph, and the program ended with 15 laps at 215+mph.
The McLaren driver passed all three phases of the program and is eligible to qualify for the 108th Running of the Indy 500.
The 31-year-old set his first lap in IndyCar higher than 200+mph five laps into his opening run with a 202.972mph.
This effort was quickly followed on the next lap with a lap at 205.108mph as Larson got up to speed at IMS.
Phase 1 got closer for the NASCAR driver, who set a lap at 211.193mph, which was beyond the limit of 210mph for the first section of the program.
Larson responded by dropping his speed to 205.427mph with four laps to go. After a 17-lap run, the first phase was completed by the Indy 500 hopeful.
After a short break in the pit lane, Larson rocketed through Phase 2 of the program at Indianapolis, completing the required 15 laps at 210-215mph.
After the second section of the test, the American ran 37 laps with his fastest speed of 214.917mph on his penultimate lap.
The McLaren driver completed the 15-lap-long Phase 2 in 15 laps and took a step closer to completing the program.
With just under an hour to go, Larson completed the Rookie Orientation Program at IMS and gained eligibility to qualify for next year’s Indy 500.
He eased through the 15 laps of Phase 3 with a fastest speed of 217.764mph at Indianapolis.
The American could make his first appearance in the Indy 500 on the 26th of May if he makes the field.
Larson’s NASCAR Cup Series title challenge continues this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the South Point 400 for Hendrick Motorsports.
Photo credit: Penske Entertainment | Joe Skibinski
